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Far from being museum pieces that are only performed exactly as written, many classical works come in different versions, whether sanctioned (or even rearranged) by the composer himself or reconstructed by someone else.

For its next Brooklyn Museum concert, on March 6, the St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble plays three Romantic Era masterpieces in versions usually not heard. In the case of Wagner’s lovely lullaby for his young son, "Siegfried Idyll" (1870), the ensemble performs the original arrangement for flute, oboe, two clarinets, bassoon, two horns, trumpet and strings. (It’s usually heard in a more voluptuous string-orchestra arrangement.)

Franz Lizst’s 1840 "Malediction" was originally composed for piano and string orchestra. But this concerto-like work will be performed in a stripped-down arrangement for piano and string quintet. Pianist Jeffrey Swann (pictured) takes the demanding solo part in this performance.

The final work on this program, Johannes Brahms’ "Serenade" (1859) was originally composed as a nonet (flute, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello, bass, two clarinets), but after creating an arrangement for chamber orchestra, Brahms’ original was lost. This nonet version was reconstructed by Alan Boustead, and was first heard in 1987.

The final St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble concert is May 15, when an all-baroque program includes music by Bach and Handel.

The St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble performs Wagner, Liszt and Brahms on March 6, at 2 pm, in the Cantor Auditorium, Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Parkway at Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights. Tickets are $25, $18 for museum members, students and senior rush seats available one hour before the concert. For more information, call (212) 594-6100 or visit www.orchestraofstlukes.org.

©2005 Community Newspaper Group