A special opportunity

[John F]

On February 27 you can hear the following music in live concert, for free:

Berg: Sieben Frühe Lieder
Beethoven: Concerto No. 3 in C minor for piano, op. 37
Schnittke: Concerto for viola (1985)

The Schnittke is the greatest concerto for the instrument that I've heard, and the other pieces aren't exactly makeweights either. The concert will take place at the Mannes School of Music in Manhattan, with student soloists and the Mannes Orchestra conducted by faculty member David Hayes. The orchestra distinguished itself with an assured and virtuosic performance of Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra last week, and I'm confident that it will be up to the challenge of this demanding program. The soloists are unknown quantities, but I'm sure they wouldn't be allowed to tackle these ambitious works if they weren't up to it.

Details are here:

http://www.newschool.edu/eventdetail.aspx?id=69699

For those who doubt me, here's a bit of the Schnittke, played by Yuri Bashmet for whom the concerto was written. If you think you catch a reminiscence of Berg here and there, I agree:

[IcedNote]

Excellent! I might be seeing the American Bach Soloists do St. Matthew's Passion that night, but if not, I'll be sure to catch this.

As the kids say, "I <3 Schnittke."

-G

[John F]

We might see if we can catch sight of each other. I'll be arriving late, possibly even after the concert has begun, as I'll be on duty at the Performing Arts Library from 5 to 8 (though I may leave a little early). But maybe after the concert?

[IcedNote]

Not sure if you're joking or simply missing the fact that I meant to catch it online.

But next time I'm in NYC, yes, we'll absolutely have to meet up! As well as the other NYCers here.

-G

[John F]

Nope, I took you at your word.

[Werner]

Thank you, John for posting this. It seems a generous sample which makes me regret that I heard so little Schnittke in my concert-going days.

[IcedNote]

Nope, I took you at your word.

Ah, yes. Re-reading it I see that you probably didn't know that the ABS concert will be here in Davis, CA.

-G