On Sunday, November 6th at 3 p.m. David Behnke and David Rhoderick present a program of “German Lieder” (Art Song). This concert is one of a continuing series in which the two have explored “German Song Cycles” -- Sunday afternoon’s performance will include Beethoven’s An die ferne Geiebte, Schumann’s Liederkreis Op. 39, and selected songs by Richard Strauss. The program is built around Schumann’s Op. 39, one of the masterpieces of its genre, which sets twelve poems by Joseph von Eichendorff that explore moods relating to or inspired by nature.
David Rhoderick on Sunday's program:
"From a pianist's perspective, our program is challenging, but very rewarding. We start with Beethoven's innovative song cycle, composed in 1816 when his deafness was very advanced (since 1812 people had had to shout to him!) This surely explains the mainly boisterous and brusque nature of the music. The last song however has one of his most beautiful and tender melodies, and points to the style of the Schumann cycle. Schumann's music is always a joy to perform with its fascinating harmonies, rhythms, and melodies. After the first song, redolent of Bach's first prelude of "the 48", the next song (Intermezzo) has a most unusual and original off-the beat accompaniment reminding me of much more modern rhythms such as ska. Song number 5 (Mondnacht) is surely one of the great moonlight musical gems (along with the more famous Beethoven and Debussy pieces). Some of the later songs of this collection employ ambiguous tonalities and hint at the way forward for the late 19th century. The final set of songs from Richard Strauss have beautiful pianistic effects and demonstrate his predilection for the grand climax. As always, David and I enjoy our performing together and the evolutionary process of developing a joint approach." |
German Lieder German Lieder – Song Cycles David Benhke – Vocal David Rhoderick -- Piano Location: First Congregational Church of West Tisbury State Road, West Tisbury Sunday, November 6, 2022 3 p.m. The suggested donation for admission is $20. If you would prefer to make a donation of another amount, please donate at the door. The proceeds for this concert will be divided between the MV Chamber Music Society and the West Tisbury Congregational Church. Donations may be made on this site until 5 p.m. on Friday November 4th and thereafter at the door. David Behnke on German Lieder:
"German lieder (songs) date back to the fifteen century, as classical composers sought to set poetry to music. But the great age of song in Germany occurred during the nineteenth century concurrently with the flowering of German literature and poetry. This got its start with Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, but reached its pinnacle with the works of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf and Richard Strauss, who set many of the masterpieces of German poetry to music. Beginning with Beethoven’s An die ferne Geliebte, composers took the art form one step further by setting the works of a single poet into a cohesive narrative or song cycle. Schubert’s Die schöne Mullerin and Winterreise, and Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Liederkreis Op. 39 are considered masterpieces of this genre." |
CELEBRATE MUSIC
The Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society produces chamber music concerts and promotes an appreciation of classical and contemporary music on the island of Martha's Vineyard. The Summer Evening Concerts and our Education Programs including Instrument Loans, Lesson Scholarships, Artist in Residence, and Project Cello, all depend on generous donors and grant funders. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will help us fulfill our mission. |