FRIENDS OR ENEMIES ?
April 13th, 7:30pm
Chapelle Notre-Dame-De-Bon-Secours
400 rue St-Paul E, Vieux Montréal
To close our 2016-2017 season, Autour de la flûte welcomes acclaimed Italian violinist Cecilia Bernardini for an evening of 19th century symphonic masterworks, in period arrangements for chamber ensemble.
A notoriously difficult man, Ludwig van Beethoven was prone to aggression, arrogance and even violence. The celebrated composer, who famously lost his hearing in his twilight years, helped to usher in the complex and emotive style that became prominent during the Romantic era.
Johann Nepomuk Hummel, himself an accomplished pianist and composer, looked to Beethoven as a mentor, a friend and at times even a rival. His appreciation for Beethoven’s unique and passionate voice lead to Hummel arranging a number of Beethoven’s symphonies for chamber ensemble (fortepiano, flute, violin and cello). These versions would be played at home or in salons by amateurs and professionals alike, giving equal roles to each of the four players.
Bernardini is joined by Autour de la flûte artistic director and flutist, Mika Putterman, iconic early music figure and cellist Susie Napper and fortepianist Gili Loftus for an evening of passion, melancholy and gaiety that is sure to please even those with the fiery temperament of Ludwig !
Cecilia Bernardini, violin
Mika Putterman, romantic flute
Susie Napper, violoncello
Gili Loftus, fortepiano