In a few short days our summer season will be coming to a close, but these final days include a blockbuster program—one that will end the season with a bang! In creating this program, I tried to think of a good combination of works that would thrill just about everyone. So, I said to myself, “Let’s include the most requested piece of music we’ve ever performed.” Any idea what that would be? I’ll let you think about it for a moment, but it is on the program. For a second-half closer, I decided on one of the most celebratory and exhilarating piano quartets in existence: The one by Richard Strauss. The same guy who wrote Salome and Der Rosenkavalier, Till Eulenspiegel, and Don Juan, although not known for his chamber music, did write a dynamite piano quartet.
To open the program, I discovered a very intriguing work, this time by a Croatian countess, Dora Pejačević (1885-1923). This is such a delicious find that I had to put it on this special program. Despite being born into the nobility, she shunned much of the trappings of her family position and made her way as a composer gaining wide respect in early 20th century Vienna and cities in Germany. Instead of leading a life of luxury, she volunteered as a nurse in World War I and then threw herself into composing. She became acquainted with many famous musicians and other members of the arts and began to be highly regarded. Unfortunately, her life was cut short just as she was gaining a significant reputation, passing away just after giving birth to her first and only child. She was only 38, the same age as Mendelssohn, when she died. Many colleagues considered her the preeminent female composer of her time.
To round out the first half, we are doing the most requested work I spoke of earlier. If you haven’t guessed it yet, time’s up. It is Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music. If you don’t already know this work, you must hear it. If you do know it, you are obviously picking up the phone to buy your tickets right now. We haven’t done it for a while, but its appeal hasn’t diminished one bit. It is a riotous, yet at times touching combination of jazz, early rock, country/western, and general pop sauciness. Although Paul Schoenfield studied classical piano with the famous concert pianist Rudolph Serkin, and became a fine soloist himself, he also spent time playing in clubs where he picked up that special vernacular that he incorporates so ingeniously and effortlessly. Although he has a doctorate in music from the University of Arizona and is a professor of music at the University of Michigan, he taught mathematics (one of his great loves) in Israel to high school students in a kibbutz. He is also a Talmudic scholar, yet he has a keen sense of humor as Café Music so aptly demonstrates. It will be apparent that David Perry, Paula Kosower, and Jeannie Yu share the infectious spirit of this piece in the three performances they are about to present.
So, go to your telephone and please call 920-854-7088, and here’s what you want to say. Say, “Please sign me up for tickets for one of the three performances of ‘Celebratory Fireworks.’” (I recommend the one on Labor Day, which is our big season ending Gala—a wonderful event full of splendid food, great music, and fun-filled comradery.) And while you’re at it, pick up some tickets for one of the final performances of “Splendid Stories” with works by Bach, Sibelius, and Dvořák. And last but not least, be sure to make reservations for the Eric Lewis/Griffon Quartet celebration of their new recording, Beneath the Waves, on Saturday, Sept. 9th at Northern Sky’s Gould Theater. This will be a great performance and special reception with an opportunity to be the first to purchase this new album (hint – perfect Christmas present idea – and maybe you can get it signed by Eric). Call 920-854-7088 or go to www.midsummersmusic.com and purchase your tickets. Then you will be catapulted into the fall season with an extra bounce in your step and some great tunes in your ears. Finally, have you heard about our new Autumn Music Fest? Ask about it when you call. It is something you will want to get on your calendar for late September/early October.
Jim Berkenstock
Artistic Director