Art of the Recital: Liberation

of Topsfield, MA
Thursday, May 23, 7:00 PM - Payson Park Church, Belmont, MA

Ysaye,  Solo Sonata No 4
Franck,  Sonata
Schnittke,  Sonata No 1
Messiaen,  Last Movement from the Quartet for the End of Time
Dvorak,  Songs My Mother Taught Me

Program Details:
From the most passionate and expressive sonatas, to dazzlingly virtuosic showpieces, to intimate and lyrical salon pieces written for simple pleasure – these programs present a wide range of experiences for listeners, all celebrating the wide artistic potential of the violin.
Music is poetry, but sometimes music literally is poetry. Looking over the musical scores for this program, I am in awe of the beauty, emotion, and clarity of the words written by these composers. The Messiaen begins with instructions to the musicians: “Extremely slow and tender, ecstatic, expressive, as if in paradise.” (What a way to begin the day, as I pick up my violin and bow to practice!) Franck inspires and delights us with instructions including, “With all your strength!” “Dramatic!” and, my personal favorite, “With fantasy!” These are but a few selections from this powerful program, titled Liberation!
The 31-year-old Messiaen wrote his “Quartet for the End of Time” as a prisoner of war in Germany. Premiered in 1941 by three of his fellow prisoners and Messiaen himself, the final movement (Louange à l’Immortalité de Jésus) is for violin and piano alone, and reflects back to us all that is pain and all that is freedom. Hauntingly beautiful, this piece demonstrates the power of music to transcend mere “entertainment,” and helps us discover new beauties and imagine new possibilities for the human experience.
Fiercely human and personal, the Schnittke Sonata has long been celebrated as a masterwork, yet many audience members may have the first chance to hear it live. If you have attended recent Art of the Recital performances, you will remember Schnittke’s “Suite in the Old Style,” as well as a variety of shorter salon pieces. This is a chance to discover one of Schnittke’s more substantial works, and to learn more about this important Russian composer.
The Franck Sonata needs little introduction to those who know it – it is one of the most beloved pieces in the recital repertoire. With its sweeping arcs of feeling and profound range of sounds and colors, it is emotion and passion embodied in sound.
The Solo Ysaÿe Sonata is famous not only for its dazzling virtuosity, but also for its depth of feeling. An interesting twist of programming, Franck dedicated his Violin Sonata to Ysaÿe – so you will have a chance to hear memories of the virtuoso violinist who inspired Franck!
The Power of Live Music - Be There!

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Payson Park Church is located at 365 Belmont St, in Belmont, MA.  The church is located at the corner of Belmont St and Payson Rd, directly across the street from Oakley Country Club in Watertown.  There is free parking on Belmont St and Payson Rd.  The church is on the MBTA bus line #73 running between Harvard Sq and Waverley Sq.  For more information, please visit the church’s website: http://www.paysonpark.org/about-us/contact
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Please print your ticket or bring an "e-ticket" on your smartphone.  Admission requires proof of purchase.

Will tickets be available at the door?
Pending availability, tickets will be available at the door.  Cash only, please.
 
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
One ticket admits one person to the concert.  You can freely purchase tickets for others or give your ticket away.

What can/can't I bring to the event?
Recording equipment of any kind is prohibited.
 
What is the refund policy?
All sales are final.  If you can no longer attend the concert, please consider giving your ticket to a friend!  In the unlikely event that the concert is cancelled, a refund will be given.  Thank you for your understanding.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
For contact information, please click here: https://joshuapeckins.com/contact/

The program may be changed without notice for artistic reasons.  Thank you for your understanding.