L. van Beethoven: Music for Violoncello and Piano

Robert deMaine, violoncello

Peter Takács, piano

 

November 12, 2014

Ludwig van Beethoven: Music for Violoncello and Piano

 

When Robert deMaine and Peter Takács played together at the Charleston MusicFest in 2008, they instantly knew that a special musical chemistry existed between them.  Then they both pursued their busy careers, Robert as Principal Cellist in the Detroit Symphony and as recently appointed to the same position at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Peter completing his epic undertaking of recording the complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas for the Cambria label.

It was a natural step for these masters of their instruments to decide to perform and record the complete Sonatas and Variations for cello and piano by Beethoven, a body of work remarkable for its depth and variety.  In the two early sonatas, Op. 5, Beethoven single-handedly propels the cello in a virtuoso role, matching note for note the brilliant piano writing.  The middle period sonata in A major, Op. 69, stands as a ray of sunshine among its towering companions, the “Appassionata” sonata and the Fifth Symphony.  And, finally, the two late sonatas, Op. 102, are individual creations reflecting the aging master’s wisdom and search for transcendence.

The three sets of variations on themes by Handel and Mozart show the composer in a light-hearted mood, providing a welcome contrast to the weighty sonatas, but still throwing plenty of technical challenges at the busy performers.

The November 12, 2014 concert at UC Irvine offers a healthy sample of this rich material, starting with the Twelve Variations on a theme from Handel’s “Judas Maccabeus”, followed by the extraordinary Sonata in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2, which explores the stormy and dramatic side of the young Beethoven.  The second half is a happy one:  Seven Variations on a duet from Mozart’s “Magic Flute”, extolling the virtues of pure romantic love, and ending with the crown jewel of the entire cello-piano literature, the Sonata in A major, Op. 69.

Peter and Robert have relished their collaboration in exploring this extraordinary repertoire, and have received public acclaim for their performances.  We know you will enjoy it, and please look for a recording in the near future!

     

Robert deMaine                                             Peter Takács


Winifred Smith Hall    8:00 pm
Free Admission. Public is Welcome

 

A chamber music Master Class with Takács and deMaine will take place on the same day as the evening concert from 1:30-3:30 pm in Winifred Smith Hall .

Free and open to the public.
Works performed TBA.

Dates: 
Wednesday Nov 12, 2014, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Wednesday Nov 12, 2014, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm