Inversion Without the Freezing Fog: In the Pacific Northwest, we have our own definition for the term inversion. It has frosty meteorological implications. On Festival Series I, however, the implications are aesthetic. Anton Webern, known as a leading figure of the Second Viennese School of composition, penned some of the most innovative scores of the 20th century. His works are known for their brevity, but also the microscopic detail, density and care with which he deploys a language devoid of tonality or traditional structure. Webern’s reputation for thorny modern works is so firmly established that his lush, romantic Langsamer Satz (Slow Movement) for string quartet from 1905, will come as a complete surprise. Speaking of string quartets, Festival Series I will see the world premiere of Yotam Haber’s quartet Society of the Free and Easy. Instead of the traditional 2 violins, viola and cello, the ensemble is inverted: two cellos, viola and violin. Finally, the Piano Trio of Maurice Ravel, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is an imitate work for three players that deploys each voice in ways that can only be described as symphonic in scope. Opening night of the 2014 Festival Series will be a night to remember.

Yotam Haber (b. 1976)

World Premiere: Society of the Free and Easy, for violin, viola and two cellos

Anton Webern (1883-1945)

Langsamer Satz in E Flat (1905) for string quartet

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)

Terzetto in C for two violins and viola

I. Indtroduzione. Allegro ma non troppo

II. Larghetto

III. Scherzo. Vivace — Trio. Poco meno mosso

IV. Tema con variazioni. Poco Adagio — Molto Allegro — Moderato (quasi Recit.) — Moderato e risoluto — Molto Allegro

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)

Piano Trio in A minor (1914)

I. Modéré

II. Pantoum. Assez vite

III. Passacaille. Très large

IV. Final. Animé

Artists: Jennifer Caine, Timothy Christie, Oksana Ezhokina, Yotam Haber, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Maria Sampen, Sally Singer Tuttle, and Volta Piano Trio.