Event
A Few More B's: Barber, Bartók, Bernstein, and Britten
Playing off their 2016-17 Season Opener featuring The Three B's music of Bach, Beethoven, and Britten, CHAI Collaborative Ensemble presents works from the 20th century with "A Few More B's", featuring music of Samuel Barber, Béla Bartók, Leonard Bernstein, and Benjamin Britten.
While their last names all coincidentally start with the letter B, one common stylistic thread between Barber, Bartók, Bernstein, and Britten is their use of juxtaposition in their respective compositional voices. One can hear the Samuel Barber's distinctive Neo-Romantic style with some modernist edges in his Cello Sonata Op. 6. Bartók's works are marked by a synthesis of folk music, classicism and modernism, and the folk music influence is especially prevalent in his Suite Paysanne Hongroise. Benjamin Britten had a knack for introducing themes and combining them in ingenious ways, and one gets a taste of this in his Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings. Last but not least, Leonard Bernstein wrote in the classical style, but with plenty of jazz influence and Broadway flair to boot.
In addition to the music itself that is programmed, what makes this program special is that all four composers featured on this program Barber, Bartók, Bernstein, and Britten lived at least somewhat outside of societal norms for their day. With exception to Bartók, all the composers featured on this program were openly homosexual, in a time when homosexuality was largely considered criminal. Additionally, Britten was a pacifist who was sympathetic to Communism. Bernstein was similarly outspoken politically, and became known for his humanitarian efforts in addition to his musical accomplishments. While not as renowned for political activity, Bartók was a pioneer in a field now known as ethnomusicology. He extensively studied non-classical musical forms particularly folk music and incorporated them into his compositions. Barber, Bartók, Bernstein, and Britten all created their art and made efforts to contribute to their respective communities. We should look to them as examples for how we might participate actively in our society today.
The program features Bartóks Suite Paysanne Hongroise, La Bonne Cuisine by Bernstein, Brittens Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings, Op. 2, and Barbers Cello Sonata, Op. 32.
Performing artists include James Brinkmann, flute; Andrew Hesse, cello; Ria Hodgson, viola; Talar Khosdeghian, piano; Gretchen Adams, mezzo-soprano; Laura Perkett, oboe; and Danielle Simandl, violin.
Based in Chicago, CHAI Collaborative Ensemble is dedicated to performing vocal and instrumental chamber music. Our repertoire runs the gamut, ranging from beloved classics to newly commissioned works, with many hidden gems along the way. We see our art form as a means of bringing people together and of being engaged in the communities in which we perform. In future seasons, the musicians of CHAI plan to present programs in partnership with various community organizations to encourage dialogue about the issues we as a society currently face.
For more information about Chai Collaborative Ensemble, contact us via email chaicollaborative@gmail.com, or visit the ensemble online at www.chaicollaborative.org.
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LocationHoly Trinity Lutheran Church (View)
1218 W. Addison
Chicago, IL 60613
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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