Fantasiestücke Project
HORSZOWSKI TRIO 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Robert Schumann exhibited his genius in his many small poetic pieces, and he often called them Fantasiestücke. The Horszowski Trio’s “Fantasiestücke Project” has commissioned three American composers, each recognized as significant figures of their respective generations, to write short fantasy pieces in homage to Robert Schumann: Paul Chihara (b. 1938); Derek Bermel (b. 1967); and David Fulmer (b. 1981). The program will open with Clara Schumann’s brilliant Trio, Op. 17, and conclude with a choice of either of Brahms’ first two trios (Opp. 8 and 87) or any piano quartet by Brahms or Robert Schumann (with guest violist). Friendship between Robert Schumann and his colleagues also reflects the one we have between these three American composers and the trio.
American-born Japanese composer Paul Chihara is a pioneer of both classical contemporary and film music and he often brings some Japanese elements to his compositions as well; Derek Bermel, active as both a composer and a clarinetist, brings a blend of world music, jazz and funk to his own musical language, and he has established himself as one of most the important American composers of today; David Fulmer, a recent winner of the Arts and Letters Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters among other prizes, also an accomplished violinist and conductor, pushes the limits of classical contemporary music while respecting past traditions.
Fantasiestücke Project – Circle of Friends
With optional readings of letters written by the composers
Clara Schumann: Trio in G minor, Op. 17
Fantasiestücke Project
Paul Chihara: New Work
Derek Bermel: New Work
David Fulmer: New Work
— Intermission —
*Johannes Brahms: Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8
*This could be replaced with Brahms: Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 67 or a collaboration with guest violist (Robert Schumann or Brahms: Any piano quartet)
Program A
Claude Debussy: Trio in G Major
*American Composers: Taking Flight
Virgil Thomson: “In a Bird Cage” from Four Portraits - cello & piano (1942)
Ned Rorem: “Bats” from Night Music - violin & piano (1972)
Howard Swanson: “The Cuckoo” - solo piano (1948)
Arlene Sierra: “Display” from Avian Mirrors - violin & cello (2013)
— Intermission —
P. Tchaikovsky: Trio in A minor, Op. 50 “In Memory of a Great Artist”
*This could be replaced with Tania León: Elegia a Paul Robeson (1987)
Program B
Franz Schubert: Sonatensatz in B-flat Major, D. 28
Arno Babajanian: Trio in F-sharp minor (1952)
— Intermission —
*Felix Mendelssohn: Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49
*This could be replaced with Felix Mendelssohn: Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 or Johannes Brahms: Trio No.1 in B Major, Op.8
Program C
Bedřich Smetana: Trio in G minor, Op. 15
*Fantasiestücke Project
Paul Chihara: New Work
Derek Bermel: New Work
David Fulmer: New Work
— Intermission —
**Johannes Brahms: Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8
*This could be replaced with
American Composers: Taking Flight
Virgil Thomson: “In a Bird Cage” from Four Portraits - cello & piano (1942)
Ned Rorem: “Bats” from Night Music - violin & piano (1972)
Howard Swanson: “The Cuckoo” - solo piano (1948)
Arlene Sierra: “Display” from Avian Mirrors - violin & cello (2013)
**This could be replaced with Felix Mendelssohn: Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 or Franz Schubert: Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op.99
Program D
Morton Feldman: Trio (1980)
Morton Feldman’s monumental work stands alone as its own program. (Approximately two hours.)
