Student Recital: Beethoven and Berlioz

A student recital. The program:

Beethoven: Sonata No. 4 in C major, Op. 102, No. 1
Zachary Mowitz, cello; Ying Li, piano

During the composition of Sonata No.4 in C major, Op. 102, No. 1, Beethoven was in poor health, and almost totally deaf. This sonata consists of two movements: Andante—Allegro vivace and Adagio—Allegro vivace. After listening to this sonata perhaps you may come away sensing his isolation spiritually and musically.

Beethoven: Variations on “Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen,” from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, WoO 46
Oliver Herbert, cello; Ying Li, piano

This piece in contrast to the sonata was written when Beethoven was younger and before his hearing lost. During this time his music is very playful with lots of spirit.

Hector Berlioz: Nuits d’été, Op. 7
Sophia Fiuza Hunt, mezzo-soprano; Jean-Michel Richer, tenor; Patrick Wilhelm, baritone; Bénédicte Jourdois, piano

French composer Hector Berlioz’s Nuits d’été, Op. 7 is a song cycle of six poems by French poet Théophile Gautier. This song cycle became one of the composer’s most popular works. It is usually performed with one singer and orchestra, but tonight it will be performed as it was originally written for mezzo-soprano, tenor and baritone. The songs are Villanelle; Le spectre de la rose; Sur les lagunes; Absence; Au cimetire and L’ile inconnue.