Pianist Yefim Bronfman’s performance at
Bargemusic on April 8 and 10 will also serve as a reunion with
Mark Peskanov, the floating venue’s artistic director and frequent
violinist.
"Mark is an old friend from our school days," Bronfman
tells GO Brooklyn. "And it’s always great to perform with
him."
Bronfman and Peskanov, who attended Julliard together in the
late 1970s, begin both programs with Beethoven’s Violin Sonata
No. 5 in F major, best known as the "Spring Sonata."
"This sonata is one of the most lyrical and yet very dramatic
pieces Beethoven ever wrote, and he plays with those two elements
in the most effective way," says Bronfman. "Beethoven
wasn’t the greatest melodist, but this sonata contains some of
his most beautiful melodies."
"Then there’s the drama that he brings to it, one of the
most important elements making Beethoven a very special composer,"
he adds. "Also, this sonata has one of the best interplays
between violin and piano, sounding at times like a conversation
between two lovers we’re eavesdropping on."
Bronfman feels the timing is right for performing a sonata dubbed
"Spring," by an enterprising music publisher.
"The title wasn’t Beethoven’s, obviously, but it’s appropriate
playing it this time of year," he says. "Listening
to this piece brings in a lot of sunshine, instead of clouds.
And after a long winter, this piece will help with our ’thaw.’
It’s good any time of year, but especially now."
After an intermission, Bronfman and Peskanov play Robert Schumann’s
E-flat Major Piano Quintet – with violinist Elizabeth Krupnick,
violist Mark Holloway and cellist Nicholas Canellakis. At 30
minutes, Schumann’s quintet has an epic quality rare for such
an intimate work: he composed it in 1842 as a gift to his bride,
Clara, a gifted pianist and composer who played in its premiere.
"This quintet is one of Schumann’s best," says Bronfman.
"Chamber music was a focal point for Schumann because it
was where he got much of his inspiration. His quintet has the
flavor of romanticism and a beauty unparalleled in any of his
other music. It’s really a unique piece to play because it shows
his fascination with this particular combination of instruments."
Bronfman, who will celebrate his 46th birthday on April 10, has
two CDs with fellow pianist Emanuel Ax coming out later this
year on the Sony Classical label.
Also on the Bargemusic programs is a work Bronfman doesn’t play
– the String Trio by Belgian Jean Francaix (1912-1997), an elegant,
beguiling composer whose music, unaccountably, is infrequently
performed.
Peskanov calls Francaix’s trio, which he performs with Holloway
and Canellakis, "an absolutely gorgeous piece."
"He has a great sense of musical colors and a wonderful
sense of humor," Peskanov tells GO Brooklyn. "He has
a very particular way of dealing with harmonic and rhythmic structure
– you cannot listen to his work without knowing it’s him. He
has a unique accent, which is great to hear.
"The trio’s slow movement is so beautiful and sad, but has
a serenity as well," Peskanov continues. "The last
movement is a little march, and you can hear many characters
marching through, some with a limp and others with more confidence
in their steps. He always has a little irony in his voice. There’s
never an extra note or unneeded nuance – everything is perfect."
Peskanov shakes his head when asked about Francaix’s obscurity.
"He uses odd instrumentation, like in his octet," he
says, "so it might be difficult for some ensembles to pull
it all together for a performance. His trio is quite virtuosic
and calls for a great violist, which we have, luckily [with Holloway].
His music doesn’t have a ’rah-rah’ sound to it, nor does he wear
his heart on his sleeve. He’s more tongue in cheek."
Still, as far as Peskanov is concerned, those excuses don’t wash.
"Francaix’s music is so sincere and beautifully written,"
he says. "It’s unfortunate that you don’t hear more of his
work, but we’re trying to change that."
Also trying is the Hyperion CD label, which has already recorded
several discs of Francaix’s urbane and witty music. The label’s
latest disc of Francaix’s orchestral music, including his Piano
Concertino, which is a small jewel, and two ballet scores, has
just been released, and is worth seeking out by Bargemusic concertgoers
who will undoubtedly want to hear even more Francaix after being
introduced to his refined, stylish music.
As for Bronfman, he’s excited to return to the East River barge
to perform and, as he notes, sit in the audience for the Francaix
trio.
"At the end of the day, it’s like any other concert hall,
because they focus on the music," the pianist says. "But
the view is the most beautiful around, and I love to go outside
during intermission and walk by the water. In that sense, it’s
unlike any other place to perform in the world."
Beethoven, Francaix and Schumann will
be performed April 8 at 7:30 pm, and April 10 at 2 pm, at Bargemusic
(Fulton Ferry Landing at the end of Old Fulton Street on the
East River). Tickets are $35, $20 for full-time students. For
more information, call (718) 624-2083 or visit www.bargemusic.org.
