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Program Notes ( E-Newsletters preview each concert. If you wish to be added to this mailing list please E-mail us .) |
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A Brief Overview of our Concert December 8, 2008 Devienne Trio in G Minor for flute and strings Beethoven Quartet in C Minor, Op. 18, No. 4 Dvorak Quartet in F Major (“American”) François Devienne lived around the time of Mozart and did more to raise the level of music written for woodwind instruments than anyone. The flute in those days was a one-keyed, rather primitive instrument with a lovely tone quality but not much power or expressive range. Devienne’s music, gracious and tasteful, did much to augment the possibilities of the instrument and led to its further development. Beethoven’s C Minor string quartet is one of the greatest works of his early period. The serious first movement, the blending of beautiful melodic writing with darker more mysterious writing in the slow movement, a dark minuet relieved by moments of breathtaking beauty, and an exquisitely wrought finale make this an unforgettable listening experience. There is scarcely a more beloved string quartet than Dvorak’s “American.” Written during the summer he visited the Czech community in Spillville, Iowa in 1893, it is filled with the new sounds he heard — Native American tunes and rhythms, songbirds he’d never heard before, American influences mixed intimately with nostalgia for his homeland. It is a magical work.
Remember our old slogan, “Bring a Friend”? This is how 1807 & Friends has grown into what has been called Philadelphia’s foremost chamber ensemble. We invite you — and your friends — to be a part of this special season of great chamber music. Our artists — and their most talented friends — look forward to sharing our unique musical offerings with you.
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