Free Concert - Flute and Piano music by Bach, Schumann, Franck
Free classical music concert. Experience music for flute and piano by Bach, Schumann, and Franck under vaulted ceilings and stained glass.
About this Event:
The concert will run for about 1.5 hours, including a short intermission. The event is free and open to all, no tickets are required. Donations will be accepted at the venue. Masks are suggested.
Program:
1. Flute Sonata in E major, BWV 1035 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Composed in the 1740s. A Sonata in four movements following a traditional slow - fast - slow - fast pattern. The first movement is a contemplative prelude followed by three movements suitable for dancing. The heart of the sonata is the third movement, a haunting siciliano that moves into c# minor.
2. Drei Romanzen für Oboe und Klavier, Op. 94 by Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Composed in 1849. Schumann composed these pieces as a Christmas gift to his wife, the acclaimed pianist and composer Clara Schumann. Somewhat unusually, the movements all have the same tonic or key note. The outer first and third movements in the key of A minor, and the middle movement is in the key of A major. All movements share similar thematic threads.
During the time he wrote the pieces, Schumann's mental health was deteriorating and shortly after their completion he was admitted to the asylum where he eventually died. At the end of his life, he suffered from tinnitus and heard a persistent 'A' tone.
3. Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano by César Franck (1822 - 1890)
Composed in 1886. Franck also composed this piece as a gift, as a wedding present for the violin virtuoso Eugène Ysaÿe. It is a core part of the violin repertoire, but transcriptions for cello, flute, and many other instruments have been embraced over the years.
Like the Bach, it has a slow - fast - slow - fast pattern. Like the Schumann, it weaves together common thematic threads and revolves around the 'A' tonic. The piece is known for its cyclic architecture, in which themes from movements appear in subsequent movements with the last movement tying together threads from the first three movements. It is beloved for its lush harmonies and singing melodies. Listen for the moment where the pianist plays the lowest note on the piano, (an 'A', of course).
Performers: Marvin Sanders, flute, has been making music in the East Bay for 40 years. Elaine Laguerta, piano, has been making music in the East Bay for 14 years. They are both alumni of the UC Berkeley Music department.