Chamber Concert
Series

Haydn is well known for his 104 symphonies and 68 string quartets, but his piano trios supply equal delight for listeners and inspiring challenges for performers. In this program, we hear the direct effect of Haydn’s genius on Beethoven, as three familiar and formidable CMS musicians tackle a four-work juxtaposition of seminal trios by both composers. We will hear each composer’s trios evolve, as they did side-by-side in Vienna, where Haydn and Beethoven enjoyed a cordial if somewhat competitive relationship. Beethoven’s “Ghost” Trio concludes, its eerie slow movement reportedly inspired by the witches’ scene from Macbeth.

In a celebration of instrumental odd couples, three duo teams highlight the extremes of possibility for their ensembles. Maurice Duruflé’s post-Romantic trio augments the duo format, and all join for the concluding Septet by virtuoso pianist Johann Hummel, who was a pupil of Mozart and Haydn and was admired by Beethoven. Featuring Juho Pohjonen, piano; Paul Neubauer, viola; Nick Canellakis, cello; Nina Bernat, double bass; Sooyun Kim, flute; James Austin Smtih, oboe; Radovan Vlatkovic, horn.

The deeply human voices of violins, violas, and cellos have inspired much of the greatest music ever composed. From Beethoven’s earliest all-string work to Francaix’s effervescent trio, this program offers a rich feast of string sonorities from the 18th century to the modern age. Featuring violinists Chad Hoopes and Bella Hristova; violists Matthew Lipman and Timothy Ridout and cellist Sihao He.