About the Program

For Beethoven, Paul Crewes Rachel Fine Artistic Director Managing Director

Art Reveals the Man PRESENTS

By Brian Lauritzen

Orchestras and conductors have the Even though there are only five optimism. Just four years earlier, he nine symphonies. Pianists have the sonatas and a couple of other had contemplated suicide. But, as 32 sonatas. String quartets have the non-sonata works for piano and he wrote in his famous Heiligenstadt 16 quartets. So often, the music of cello, they still reveal Beethoven Testament, his music saved him. "It Beethoven seems to lend itself to to us in much the same way as his was only my art that held me back. BEETHOVEN performances of complete cycles. symphonies, piano sonatas, and Oh, it seemed to me impossible to No other composer seems to inspire string quartets do. The five sonatas leave the world until I had produced RALPH KIRSHBAUM, CELLO | SHAI WOSNER, PIANO such encyclopedic programming of come from each of the three distinct all that I felt was within me." concerts. When’s the last time you periods of Beethoven’s artistic heard a complete cycle of Mozart output. The periods are known, The final two sonatas, Op. 102, are symphonies, for example? Or a full creatively enough, as the Early, perfect examples of music from run of the Dvorˇák symphonies? It Middle, and Late periods. I know, Beethoven’s late period. Music from Thursday, March 9 Program Friday, March 10 Program just doesn’t happen all that often. I know: also, the sky is blue and this moment in Beethoven’s life has But Beethoven cycles happen all the the grass (especially this winter in this ethereal, otherworldly quality LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) time. As the British cellist, Steven California) is green. #BreakingNews. and often meditates on themes of Isserlis, has said, “Beethoven is just transcendent spirituality. It’s not 7 Variations in E-flat Major on Mozart's Cello Sonata in F, Op. 5, No. 1 there, and, if we are to understand The first two sonatas, Op.5, come until we reach the last of the five "Bei Männern" from The Magic Flute, WoO 46 Adagio sostenuto anything about music, we have to from a period in Beethoven’s life sonatas that we are finally given a Allegro attempt to come to terms with him.” when he was just barely starting out proper slow movement. And what Cello Sonata in G minor Op. 5, No. 2 Allegro vivace and he was trying to make a name a slow movement it is: a stunning Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo That’s because there’s much to for himself as a pianist. He was 25 prayer that seems to stop time itself. Allegro molto più tosto presto Cello Sonata in C, Op. 102, No. 1 be revealed about Beethoven—the years old and, as yet, completely Rondo. Allegro Andante – Allegro vivace man and the artist—by immersing unaffected by the deafness which As programmed for these Adagio – Allegro vivace ourselves in his music. After all, he’s would transform his life and his performances, it is possible to get a one of the first to transcend what art. The Op. 5 sonatas were written sense for the whole of the Beethoven 15 minute intermission LA Opera music director James in Berlin, before Beethoven made piano-cello evolution in one evening: 15 minute intermission Conlon calls “artisan composers,” the move to Vienna, for himself and both programs feature an early 12 Variations in F Major on Mozart’s “Ein Mädchen to become a true “artist composer.” the famous French cellist Jean- sonata and both allow you to trace oder Weibchen” from Die Zauberflöte, Op. 66 12 Variations on a Theme from Handel's Judas Artisans make work to specification. Pierre Duport to play together. Beethoven’s artistic trajectory. But Maccabaeus, WoO. 45 Much like a patron (customer) for the complete experience, I highly Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69 would ask an artisan to build a The Sonata No. 3, Op. 69, comes from recommend you make time for both Allegro, ma non tanto Cello Sonata in D, Op. 102, No. 2 table or a chair, the same would the middle period of Beethoven’s performances. Because, like the nine Scherzo Allegro con brio be asked of artisan composers: “I’d life. It was written between 1806 and symphonies, the 32 piano sonatas, like a series of flute concertos, 1808, exactly at the same time as and the 16 string quartets, this too, is Adagio cantabile – Allegro vivace Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto Herr Mozart,” and so Mozart would he was composing his monumental a powerful and important journey. Allegro write a few flute concertos. Symphony No. 5. By this point in his life, the reality of his deafness Beethoven wrote music on pure was sinking in and while he hadn’t Join Brian Laurtizen and other guest artistic inspiration. If he were lost his hearing completely at this moderators for free pre-concert around today, he’d probably be point, he was coming to terms with conversations in the Bram Goldsmith making crowdfunding pitches on the fact that he would eventually be Theater with the artists prior to select Kickstarter or Indiegogo… or he fully deaf. That said, like so much classical music performances, along MARCH 9-10, 2017 AT 8PM might have a Patreon page where of his work from this period in his with a complimentary glass of wine Bram Goldsmith Theater fans could support his work, whatever life, we hear the most supreme provided by The Henry Wine Group. that may be at the moment. joy, unbridled and almost blinding Running Time: Both concerts run 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission.

Ralph Kirshbaum and Shai Wosner's concerts are made possible at The Wallis by generous support from Susan and Peter Strauss.

P10 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE About the Artists About the Artists

RALPH KIRSHBAUM celebration of the cello, its music and musicians. SHAI WOSNER (Piano) has North Carolina, and Jerusalem symphonies, as Angeles, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Born in Israel, Mr. Wosner enjoyed a broad (Cello) The distinguished The final Festival, which took place in 2007, was attracted international well as a performance of the Berg Chamber and San Francisco, among others. In addition to musical education from a very early age, studying career of Texas-born cellist awarded the celebrated Royal Philharmonic recognition for his exceptional Concerto in Germany with violinist Veronika the BBC orchestras, he has performed abroad with piano with Emanuel Krasovsky as well as Ralph Kirshbaum encompasses Society’s Music Award for Concert Series and artistry, musical integrity, and Eberle and the Kammerakademie Potsdam. the Barcelona Symphony, Bournemouth composition, theory, and improvisation with the worlds of solo performance, Festivals. In 2012, Kirshbaum inaugurated the creative insight. His Symphony, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, André Hajdu. He later studied at The Juilliard chamber music, recording and highly successful Piatigorsky International Cello performances of a broad range The music of Beethoven is also a major focus for Gothenburg Symphony, LSO St. Luke’s, National School with Emanuel Ax. Mr. Wosner is on the pedagogy and places him in Festival in Los Angeles, centered at the University of repertoire—from Beethoven Mr. Wosner this year in recital, chamber, and Arts Centre Orchestra, Nieuw Sinfonietta faculty at the Longy School of Music in Boston. He the highest echelon of today’s cellists. He enjoys of Southern California - Thornton School of Music. and Schubert to Ligeti and the music of today— concerto performances. In addition to performing Amsterdam, Orchestre National de Belgique, resides in New York with his wife and two the affection and respect not only of audiences The Festival returned to Los Angeles in May 2016 reflect a degree of virtuosity and intellectual the composer's last three piano concertos with Staatskapelle Berlin, and the Vienna children. worldwide, but also of his many eminent and was attended by some of the world’s foremost curiosity that has made him a favorite among various orchestras in the U.S., he continues two Philharmonic, among others. Mr. Wosner has also colleagues and students. cellists, rising young artists and concertgoers, audiences and critics, who note his “keen musical Beethoven collaborations: Bridge to Beethoven — appeared with the Orpheus, St. Paul, and Los For more information on Mr. Wosner, receiving international acclaim for its concerts, mind and deep musical soul” (NPR’s All Things a recital series with violinist Jennifer Koh seen Angeles Chamber Orchestras, having conducted please visit his fan page on Facebook and go to Ralph Kirshbaum has appeared with many of the masterclasses, lectures, and workshops. Mr. Considered). here at The Wallis last season - and the complete the latter from the keyboard in a 2010 concert shaiwosner.com. world’s great orchestras, including the Boston, Kirshbaum launched the 2016 Festival with a works for cello and piano with Ralph Kirshbaum. that was broadcast on American Public Radio. Chicago, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, BBC and performance of Bloch’s Schelomo with the Los In the 2016-17 season, Mr. Wosner launches a Among the Bridge to Beethoven performances London Symphonies, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of new solo recital series, Schubert: The Great this season is a program in Philadelphia featuring Mr. Wosner has worked with such conductors as Angeles Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Zurich Leonard Slatkin. Sonatas, which continues his critically acclaimed the local premiere of Vijay Iyer’s Bridgetower Daniel Barenboim, Jiří Bělohlávek, James Conlon, Tonhalle, Orchestre de Paris and Israel Philharmonic. engagement with the composer’s music. Fantasy. In New York, Mr. Wosner and Ms. Koh Alan Gilbert, Gunther Herbig, James Judd, Zubin He has collaborated with many of the great A renowned pedagogue, he served on the faculty of Described as a “Schubertian of unfaltering also perform a recital of works by Beethoven, Mehta, Peter Oundjian, Donald Runnicles, conductors of the time such as Herbert Blomstedt, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester authority and character” by Gramophone, Mr. Debussy, Fauré, and contemporary composers Leonard Slatkin, Jeffrey Tate, and Yan Pascal Semyon Bychkov, Christoph von Dohnányi, for 38 years. In 2008, he accepted the Gregor Wosner performs Schubert’s last six piano sonatas György Kurtág and Kaija Saariaho. Mr. Wosner Tortelier, and has performed at summer festivals Andrew Davis, the late Sir Colin Davis, James Piatigorsky Chair in Violoncello at the University of over two concert programs, comparing the pieces and Mr. Kirshbaum’s 2016-17 performances of including the Bowdoin International Music Levine, Kurt Masur, Zubin Mehta, Sir Antonio Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, to “six thick novels, rich with insight about the Beethoven’s complete works for cello and piano Festival, Bravo! Vail festival, Grand Teton Music Pappano, André Previn, Sir Simon Rattle, Leonard where he recently assumed the role of Chair of the human condition.” He performs the series this include concerts here at The Wallis, The Phillips Festival, Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego, Slatkin and the late Sir Georg Solti. Mr. Kirshbaum Strings Department. In July 2016 he received an season in Israel, with performances in the U.S. Collection in Washington, DC, and in Sedona, AZ. Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center, and has appeared frequently at such prominent Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Royal and Japan scheduled for the 2017-18 season. Last season, the duo performed the series at Ravinia Festival. For several consecutive summers, international festivals as Edinburgh, Bath, Verbier, Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. He continues London’s Wigmore Hall, which was recorded for he was involved in the West-Eastern Divan Lucerne, Aspen, La Jolla, Santa Fe, Music@Menlo, to serve as Artistic Advisor of IMS Prussia Cove and Beyond Schubert, Mr. Wosner has also been fall 2016 release on Onyx Classics. Workshop led by Mr. Barenboim and toured as Ravinia and New York’s Mostly Mozart. is Founder/Honorary President of the Pierre praised for inventive pairings of classical and soloist with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Fournier Award, as well as Honorary President of modern masters. His latest recording, featuring In addition to his Onyx releases, Mr. Wosner’s Having enjoyed a thirty-year collaboration with the London Cello Society. He recently served a five- concertos and solo works by Haydn and Ligeti with discography includes a duo recording with Ms. Widely sought after by colleagues for his versatility pianist Peter Frankl and violinist Gyorgy Pauk, he year term on the United States President’s the Danish National Symphony conducted by Koh, titled Signs, Games + Messages, on the and spirit of partnership, Mr. Wosner has has in recent years frequently appeared with Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Nicholas Collon, was released in June on the Onyx Cedille label. Weaving traditional Central collaborated as a chamber musician with numerous Pinchas Zukerman, Robert McDuffie, Lawrence label to wide acclaim and was named Concerto European folk music with 20th-century artists, including Martin Fröst, Lynn Harrell, Dietrich Dutton, Peter Jablonski and Shai Wosner. Other Ralph Kirshbaum’s extensive discography Choice (September 2016) by BBC Music modernism, the recording features works by Henschel, Cho-Liang Lin, Christian Tetzlaff, and recent collaborators have included Leif Ove includes recordings on the EMI/Virgin Classics, Magazine, which wrote: “Wosner’s notes describe Bartók, Janáček, and Kurtág, including the latter’s Pinchas Zukerman. He has also collaborated with Andsnes, Joshua Bell, Yefim Bronfman, Midori, Altara Music, Hyperion, BMG Classics, Onyx these composers’ use of humor as ‘like two distant duet piece for which the album was named. leading chamber ensembles, including the Lang Lang, Vadim Repin, Pepe Romero, and the Classics, and Virgin Classics labels among others, relatives sharing an old family joke’. Wit Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet in The Emerson and Takács String Quartets. including notable recordings of the Bach Cello nevertheless rubs shoulders effortlessly with Mr. Wosner is a recipient of Lincoln Center’s Schubert Effect recital series. Mr. Wosner is a former Suites, Brahms Double and Beethoven Triple intensity and even moments of terror – that Ligeti Martin E. Segal Award, an Avery Fisher Career member of Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Last season Mr. Kirshbaum performed Beethoven Concertos with Pinchas Zukerman, the Schubert slow movement involves sounds that resemble a Grant, and a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award—a prize Two and performs regularly at various chamber cycles with pianist Shai Wosner in the U.S. and Quintet with the Takács Quartet, and the complete siren and a police whistle. It’s the intelligence, he used to commission Michael Hersch’s concerto music festivals, including Chamber Music Great Britian, highlighted by a performance of the cello sonatas and variations of Beethoven with perception and dazzling energy of Wosner’s Along the Ravines, which he performed with the Northwest in Portland, the Jerusalem Chamber complete cycle in London’s Wigmore Hall, in Shai Wosner. The rare Montagnana Cello that playing that makes all this possible and vivid.” His Seattle Symphony and Deutsche Radio Music Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, the Piano celebration of Mr. Kirshbaum’s 70th birthday. In Ralph Kirshbaum plays once belonged to the earlier Onyx releases have also explored links Philharmonie in its world and European Aux Jacobins festival in France, and the Santa Fe November 2016, recording with Shai Wosner of 19th-century virtuoso Alfredo Piatti. between stylistically contrasting composers, premieres. He was in residence with the BBC as a Chamber Music Festival. Recent chamber music the completely sonatas and variations of including an album of solo works by Brahms and New Generation Artist, during which he appeared engagements include collaborations with the Pro Beethoven was released on the Onyx Classics North American Representation Schoenberg and an album of works by Schubert frequently with the BBC orchestras, including Musica Society at the Maison Symphonique de label. Mr. Kirshbaum continues to perform for Ralph Kirshbaum: and Missy Mazzoli. conducting Mozart concertos from the keyboard Montreal and the Le Club Musical de Quebec at le Beethoven’s cello works in the 2016/17 season. Kirshbaum Associates, Inc. with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He Palais Montcalm in Canada; performances of works In October, the duo performed at the Phillips 711 West End Avenue, Suite 5KN Such juxtaposition is also a central feature in Mr. returned to the BBC Scottish Symphony in both by Brahms, Schumann, and Takemitsu with the Collection in Washington DC; a performance at New York, NY 10025 Wosner’s joint program with the Aurora Orchestra subscription concerts and Proms performances Friends of Chamber Music in Denver, Colorado; Chamber Music Sedona in Arizona immediately www.kirshbaumassociates.com and Nicholas Collon in London, in which he with Donald Runnicles and appeared with the BBC and appearances at the Santa Fe Chamber Music follows their Beethoven cycle here at The Wallis. performs concertos by Ligeti and Mozart and solo Philharmonic in a live broadcast from Festival, Laguna Beach Music Festival, and the Mr. Kirshbaum’s recordings are available on the works by Chopin, Glass, Hindemith, and Manchester's Bridgewater Hall. As a concerto Ravinia Festival. Among his recent solo recitals, he Kirshbaum founded the RNCM Manchester EMI, Virgin, Philips, Chandos and BMG Classics/ Nancarrow. Other concerto appearances in the soloist in the U.S., Mr. Wosner has appeared with performed a program of Gershwin and Dvořák at International Cello Festival in 1988 as a RCA Victor Red Seal labels. 2016-17 season include Mr. Wosner's return to the orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Berkeley, The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. the Berkeley, Columbus, Fresno, Jacksonville, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los

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