Every now and then, I have a different set of favorites on my playlist. Each one of these pieces has this incredible power to transport me to different places in this ever changing world.

1) One of the first pieces on my favorite playlist is Robert Schumann’s Fantasiestucke, Op.73, a set of three fantasies that come from one of the happier periods in Schumann’s career.

2) Ysaÿe’s solo violin sonata “Ballade” is a tribute to friendship; he dedicated the work to pianist Enesco, Ysaÿe once wrote, “I have let my imagination wander at will. The memory of my friendship and admiration for George Enesco and the performances we gave together has done the rest.”

3)I recently heard Karel Husa’s “Evocations of Slovakia” in a live concert, and I was blown away by this compelling work that captures the essence of Slovakian folk music while also incorporating modernist elements.

4) My all-time favorite is the last piece on this concert, Beethoven Piano Trio Op.70 no.2. There are several reasons why I love this piece, one of them is that Beethoven's use of thematic development in this trio is truly remarkable. The main themes introduced in the first movement are developed and transformed throughout the piece, creating a sense of unity and coherence. And Beethoven’s personal struggles and triumphs are reflected in the music, as he explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. 

Robert Schumann - Fantasiestucke, Op.73

Ricardo Morales, clarinet; Natalie Zhu, piano 

Eugène Ysaÿe - Solo Violin Sonata No.3

Amy Oshiro-Morales, violin 

Karel Husa - “Evocations of Slovakia” for Clarinet, Viola, and Cello

Ricardo Morales, clarinet; Che-Hung Chen, viola; Clancy Newman, cello

INTERMISSION

Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Trio Op. 70, no. 2 in E-flat Majo 

Natalie Zhu, piano; Jasmine Lin, violin; Clancy Newman, cello 

Please join us for a free pre-concert showcase by the URI Summer Music Academy students from 6:15 - 7:00pm. This is a free pre-concert performance.