Playlist for Monday, March 31
This week's prize for Most Performances in Georgia goes to . . . the Czech Trio! This acclaimed piano-violin-cello threesome from the Czech Republic is touring the Southeast at the blistering pace of one town per day. ("If it's Tuesday, it must be Macon.") The ensemble is over 100 years old, formed in Hapsburg days, though of course there have been a couple of personnel changes along the way. On Midday Music we hear the piece the Czech Trio never leaves home without: the piano trio by Bedrich Smetana, great 19th century Czech composer.
(Sidebar: Our recording of that Smetana comes from another storied ensemble, the Beaux Arts Trio, which has also had personnel changes in its 50 years. Founding pianist Menahem Pressler - the constant - is getting ready to hang up his hat, so the trio is on its final tour. It plays the Savannah Music Festival Wednesday, April 2, Lucas Theatre, 6 p.m. As of Monday noon, seats were still available.)
11 AM
- Bach: Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052. Stefan Mai, Academy of Ancient Music Berlin. Harmonia Mundi 901876.
- Smetana: Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15. Beaux Arts Trio. Philips 432 125.
- Scheidt: Ich bin die Auferstehung (I am the resurrection and the life). La Capella Ducale, Musica Fiata, Wilson. CPO 777 145.
- Sullivan: The Mikado, Overture. Pro Arte Orch, Sargent. EMI 47773.
- Cavalli: Canzon. Palladian Ensemble. Linn 015.
- Mozart: "Jupiter" Symphony (No. 41 in C major, K. 551). Freiburg Baroque Orch, Jacobs. Harmonia Mundi 901958.
- Rodrigo: Fantasia para un Gentilhombre: Danza de las Hachas. Telarc 80459.
- Rodrigo: Concierto para una Fiesta (may I translate that as "Party Concerto"?). David Russell, Naples Phil, Kunzel. Telarc 80459.
- Vierdanck: Canzona in A minor. Parnassi Musici. CPO 777 205.
- Moravec: B.A.S.S. Variations. Trio Solisti. Naxos 8.559323.
