Schumann, Higdon, Farrenc: Ground Breaking

Clara Schumann ((1819-1896)  

Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17

   Allegro Moderato

   Scherzo and Trio

   Andante

   Allegretto 

(30 Minutes)

Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962)

Piano Trio 

   Pale Yellow

   Fiery Red

(15 Minutes)

Carolyn Canfield, violin Page Smith, cello  Judith Widrig, piano

Louise Farrenc (1804-1875)  

Nonet in Eb Major, Op. 38

  Adagio-Allegro

  Andante con variaziona

  Scherzo vivace

  Adagio- Allegro

( 31 minutes)

Lisa McCarthy, flute  Jennifer Weeks, oboe  Erika Block, clarinet  Pat Nelson, bassoon  Gustavo Camacho, horn  ShuHsin Ko, violin  Lisa Humphrey, viola  Eileen Brownell, cello  Spencer Hoveskeland, bass

Usher in the Spring with joyous and celebratory music by some of the greatest women composers in history. Many people know Clara Schumann as the wife of Romantic composer Robert Schumann, and as celebrated concert pianist, but few know the extent of her composing prowess. Her Piano Trio, one of her more celebrated works, was her first attempt at writing for instruments other than piano and voice. This masterpiece will be paired with contemporary composer Jennifer Higdon’s Piano Trio which  explores the relationship between sound and color and the potential for these to convey emotions. . 

The concert concludes with Nonet for winds and strings by Louise Farrenc. Written in 1850, this piece was praised by critics and audiences alike. As a gifted pianist and composer Louise entered the composition class of Anton Reicha at the Paris Conservatory in 1819. This was very unusual at the time for a woman and she continued trial blazing in 1830 when she was hired as a permanent piano instructor at the Conservatory. She remained the only woman hired at that institution during the 19th century and fought for equal pay with her male counterparts. 

Come and enjoy the music of these pioneering women! The BCMS Signature cocktail will be the Radificationtini.