Program Notes

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A Brief Overview of our Concert

June 1, 2009

Dvorak Sonatina in G Major for violin and piano

Rachmaninov Cello Sonata in G Minor (1901)

Beethoven Piano Trio in Bb Major (“Archduke”)

Our season finale opens with our Dvorak finale, his lovely Sonatina. It is a four-movement work, scarcely a sonatina but a full sonata. The first movement is distinctly Czech in flavor with a strong hint of nostalgia. The slow movement is thoughtful, nearly somber but lovely at all times. The scherzo is a gently playful one, and the finale is filled with characteristic Czech dance ideas.

Rachmaninov does the cello and the piano proud in his sonata. The first movement has a searching quality and haunting beauty. The scherzo is wildly driven but illuminated with a most lovely interlude. The slow movement is extraordinarily simple and glows with light, a remarkable musical creation, and the finale is energy mixed with the most sumptuous of melodic writing.

Beethoven’s “Archduke” piano trio is one of those monumental works which defines greatness. Its dignified opening theme sets the stage for a glimpse of Beethoven’s idealistic view of nobility — all the things nobility should be in his eyes (but rarely if ever is). There is dignity, there is grace, there is wisdom, there is humor — sometimes great earthy humor — and of course complete mastery. Beethoven’s mastery of his art was certainly already in place by the time he wrote this wonderful trio, and it has taken its place as one of the cornerstones of great chamber music.

Remember our old slogan, “Bring a Friend”? This is how 1807 & Friends has grown into what has been called Philadelphia’s foremost chamber ensemble.

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