Works of Chopin, Debussy, Poulenc and Utterback
Dr. David A. Wehr, narrator
Works by Debussy (Suite Bergamasque), Chopin (Sonata in B Minor), Poulenc and Utterback
"Principally Poulenc", Program Three for "Musique on the Bluff: The French Seasons II", PNC Recital Hall, Duquense University Four major works by important 20th-century French composer Francis Poulenc will be heard: the lyrical Sonata for Flute and Piano (written for Jean-Pierre Rampal), the sassy Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, the imposing sextet for Piano and Winds and the endearing setting of Jean de Brunhoff's "The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant", narrated by father Dr. David A. Wehr. Also on the program will be saxophone virtuoso James Houlik and Pittsburgh Symphony Principal French Horn William Caballero in unusual works by Koechlin (dedicated to movie star Jean Harlow) and Dukas. At 2:15p. Ann Labounsky will perform French organ music. $10 suggested donation. For more information, www.sites.duq.edu/french-seasons.
"Debussy Diversly" Program Four for "Musique on the Bluff: The French Seasons II", PNC Recital Hall, Duquense University Toward the end of his life, Claude Debussy began writing a projected series of six sonatas for "diverse instruments" and this program contains the three that he completed, for violin and piano, for cello and piano, and for flute, viola and harp, with Gretchen Van Hoesen, Principal Harp of the Pittsburgh Symphony. The program concludes with David Allen Wehr and Duquesne faculty colleagues in Faure's luscious Piano Quartet no. 1. At 2:15p, "MoJoe", jazz artists Maureen Budway and Joe Utterback perform love songs for Valentine's Day. $10 suggested donation. For more information, www.sites.duq.edu/french-seasons.
"Ravel Revue", Program Five for "Musique on the Bluff: The French Seasons II", PNC Recital Hall, Duquense University An all-star cast of Pittsburgh Symphony Concertmaster Andres Cardenes, Principal Cello Anne Martindale Williams and David Allen Wehr headlines this all-Ravel program. Wehr opens with a bouquet of solo piano works: the perennial favorite "Pavane for a Dead Princess" (Ravel's first hit), the sparkling "Fountains" (Jeux d'eau) and the rarely-heard solo piano version of Mother Goose Suite. Then Cardenes and Williams tackle the notoriously difficult Sonata for Violin and Cello, before joining with Wehr for the stunning Piano Trio. At 2:15p, the Director of Education for the Carnegie Museum of Art talks about French Impressionism in art and music. $10 suggested donation. For more information, www.sites.duq.edu/french-seasons.
An all-Chopin recital marking the composer's 200th birthday, with the Sonata no. 2 (Funeral March), Sonata no. 3, Three Nocturnes op. 9 and Three Waltzes op. 64 (including the Minute Waltz). For ticket information and directions, visit www.rodefshalom.org.
Visit www.sunflowermusicfestival.org after June 1 for program details.
Cynthia Raim joins the Musicfest artist roster this season for some two-piano treats:
All concerts at 8p at Tabor Academy; free admission. For more information, visit www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.org
Check here after June 1 for program details.