October Concert Picks

By Erik Petersons on October 6, 2010

In a fitting start to our 25th Anniversary Season, the October concert schedule features a winning blend of soloists and ensembles, classic repertoire, and world and Philadelphia premieres.  Here are a handful of October concerts that I am most looking forward to.

  • It’s hard to imagine a better opening night concert than the Grammy-winning Takács Quartet performing works by Schubert, Haydn and Kellogg.  I’m particularly eager to hear the Philadelphia premiere of Kellogg’s quartet, which is based on the slow movement theme of Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” quartet (the final piece on this evening’s program).  This should prove to be a very interesting musical exchange between composers.
  • Till Fellner’s October 19 appearance at the Perelman Theater marks the end of his quest to perform all 32 Beethoven sonatas around the world.  In his PCMS debut, the young Viennese pianist will perform the final three Piano Sonatas — a trilogy whose musical form is quite non-traditional.  I am particularly looking forward to hearing these late works after reading the Beethoven biography by Lewis Lockwood, where he notes that “this concealment of formal junctures is a basic aspect of the late style, and it is in its glory in these three works.”
  • It will be a treat to hear one of my favorite ensembles, the Emerson Quartet, play Haydn and Schubert standards on October 22.  But look out for their Philadelphia Premiere of Lawrence Dillon’s Quartet No. 5, “Through the Night.”  Based on a Welsh tune, the piece takes audiences on a “dizzying and dazzling journey from twilight to twilight.”  Give a listen to the original Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through the Night) before the concert to whet your appetite.
  • To round out the trio of string quartets joining us this month, the American Quartet will perform works by Haydn, Schubert and Ravel on October 27.  If you’ve never heard the Ravel quartet performed, this is one piece you won’t want to miss.  One of the most stunning bulwarks of string quartet repertoire, it has an otherworldly character.  The second movement, with flying pizzicato, is thrilling no matter how many times you’ve heard it.

For more information on these concerts, and others, visit our website.  I look forward to seeing you at the concerts.