Emanuel Ax, piano

“For 50 years, Emanuel Ax has made music sound simply right” (New York Times). Bay Chamber is delighted to present an artist who “has long been, and continues to be, one of the finest American pianists.” (New York Times)

In this very special Bay Chamber Gala, Emanuel Ax performs a sumptuous program featuring musical fantasies by Beethoven and Robert Schumann contrasted with sparse, modern innovation in short pieces by Arnold Schoenberg. Beethoven’s pair of Op. 27 sonatas includes what is most popularly known as the “Moonlight” Sonata—but both pieces were originally marked Sonata quasi una fantasia by the composer. Between these sonatas, Emanuel performs Three Piano Pieces, a young Schoenberg’s tribute to Brahms. The program’s second half opens with Schoenberg’s brief Six Little Pieces for Piano, Op. 19, from 1911; each is a wisp of memory, expressionistic and at times strident and thorny. The program ends with Schumann’s Fantasy in C Major—dedicated to fellow virtuoso Franz Liszt—which is one of the Romantic repertoire’s most demanding masterpieces, featuring a movement the composer professed as being “the most passionate I have ever composed.”

“His greatness, his overwhelming authority as musician, technician and probing intellect emerges quickly as he plays. Within minutes, we are totally captured by his intensity and pianistic achievement.” Los Angeles Times

Program

BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1, "quasi una fantasia"

SCHOENBERG Three Piano Pieces, Op. 11

BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "quasi una fantasia” (“Moonlight")

SCHOENBERG Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19

ROBERT SCHUMANN Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17

Prosecco and tea party treats served during the intermission

SOLD OUT!

Honorary Concert Sponsor: Betsy Sherman

Lodging Sponsor: Camden Harbour Inn