Da Camera at The Menil

PART II OF A TWO-CONCERT CELEBRATION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLAUDE DEBUSSY’S BIRTH

AFTER DEBUSSY

Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 7:30 PM
The Menil Collection

Debussy Sonate for flute, viola and harp, L. 137
Sonate for cello and piano, L. 135
Kaija Saariaho Je sens un deuxième coeur (I Feel a Second Heart) for piano,
      viola and cello
Edgard Varèse Density 21.5 for solo flute
Pascal Dusapin Immer for solo cello
Toru Takemitsu And then I knew ‘twas wind for flute, viola and harp

Claire Chase, flute; Bridget Kibbey, harp; Hsin-Yun Huang, viola; Sonia Wieder-Atherton, cello; Sarah Rothenberg, piano; Kaija Saariaho, guest composer

In 1915, Debussy outlined a plan to compose six sonatas for various combinations of instruments, but completed only three of the planned works, all masterpieces. Our Debussy celebration features the sonatas performed over two programs. Here, we celebrate Debussy’s legacy with 20th century works that followed the French master.  Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho pays homage to Debussy by composing a work for the instrumentation outlined in one of his “unfinished”sonatas, Toru Takemitsu responds to Debussy’s Trio for flute, viola and harp and French music today is represented by composer Pascal Dusapin.

“extravagant technique, broad stylistic range and penetrating musicality…” -- The New York Times on Claire Chase

"Ms. Kibbey, a performer who seems to revel in the sheer physicality required to coax a vast range of exacting expression from her stately instrument, was a delight to watch and to hear." -- The New York Times

“Superb artistry. … Her tone was rich and earthy, and she negotiated each phrase with remarkable agility and expressive acumen.”
— The Chicago Tribune on Hsin-Yun Huang