Handel Sonata in D major, No. 4
Mozart Sonata in G major, KV 301(293a)
Beethoven Sonata in G major, Op. 30 No. 3
Schubert Rondo Brillant in B minor, D. 895
Mark Peskanov, violin; Maureen Volk, piano
This was essentially a run-thru for the concert they played Saturday night, but you would need to pay $35. This was free on Saturday afternoon.
While pleasant, the concert was just a little much of the same style over and over again. The Handel (four movements) had a slow and sweet opening, with very spare piano writing, including a hint of sadness. The second movement was brisk and fun, with a robust ending. The third was slow and, again, a bit sad. The fourth was brisk again, feeling like a dance.
The Mozart, in two movements, was sunny with pops of dynamic changes, varied accents, and interesting phrases. Hello! ... Mozart. The second movement was gentler but still with pops of accents to liven things up.
Beethoven's sonata, in three movements, started more energetically than Mozart's, with a bit more of a flare of drama, though it had a soft ending. The second had a gentle minuet feel, though it was not necessarily something one would dance to. It had a dark side as well, and a somber section. It seemed to be the the true centerpiece of the work. The third movement was brisk-but-not-quite off to the races.
Mr. Peskanov asked whether we had some more time. We did. So they played the Schubert. It was quite tuneful; at times dark and energetic; at others dance-like; almost like it couldn't make up its mind and wanted to be all things at all times. They were all fun, but it dragged on a bit.
Am I glad I went? You bet! I'll go back. I urge my NY peeps to check out Bargemusic's admission free concerts.
ConcertMeister
