Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

TRIO IN A MINOR, OP. 114

for piano, clarinet and cello

I. Allegro

II. Adagio

III. Andantino grazioso

IV. Allegro

— Intermission —

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

BRANDENBURG CONCERTO NO. 6 IN B FLAT, BWV 1051

I. [Allegro]

II. Adagio, ma non tanto

III. Allegro

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912)

FIVE NEGRO MELODIES FOR PIANO TRIO, OP. 59, NO. 1

I. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

II. I Was Way Down A-Yonder

III. Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?

IV. They Will Not Lend Me A Child

V. My Lord Delivered Daniel

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Philip Payton, violin; David Requiro, cello; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Joshua Skinner, bass; Meta Weiss, cello; Xiaohui Yang, piano

Kenji Bunch (1973)

Three Violin Duos (2020), World Premiere

I. Walkabout

II. The Wiggly Giggler

III. Coffee, Light and Sweet

Charles Martin Loeffler (1861-1935)

String Quintet in One Movement (1894)

For three violins, viola and cello

I. Allegro commodo

Intermission

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

String Quintet No. 2 in G, Op. 111

For two violins, two violas, and cello

I. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio

II. Adagio

III. Un poco allegretto

IV. Vivace, ma non troppo presto

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Stephen Miahky, violin; Philip Payton, violin/viola; Maria Sampen, violin

Philip Payton, violin

WWCMF lifer and violinist Philip Payton is a popular guy around Walla Walla. He is friendly. That’s a fact. He also loves every aspect of this community, and attempts to visit every corner during his annual June residency.

For his Portrait of an Artist recital, he can cross one of the more scenically beautiful corners of Walla Walla off his list, that being the bucolic super-venue, Garrison Creek Cellars. Come spend an hour getting to know Phil: what makes him tick, and what he’s excited about musically.

This consummate artist enjoys a career of wide variety on Broadway, in pop culture and classical music. Concertmaster for Jay-Z at Carnegie Hall? You bet. The Late Show? Yup. What about SNL? Well, at this point you better come to the performance and find out for yourself! Featuring music by Brahms, Piazzolla and Turina among others.

Artists: Winston Choi, piano; Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; and Philip Payton, violin.

Tonight we feature Clara Schumann’s Three Romances for violin and piano, the Popper Requiem in F Sharp minor, Op. 66 for 3 cellos and the Brahms B Flat Sextet, Op. 18.

Festival Series IV brings the 2018 Season to a close with works by Clara Schumann, David Popper and Johannes Brahms. The Popper Requiem in F Sharp minor, Op. 66, is not a vocal work. However, it capitalizes on the vocal qualities of three cellos in perfect harmony. Balancing the valedictory gravitas of the Popper are the Three Romances of Clara Schumann and the B Flat Sextet, Op. 18 of Johannes Brahms. If the Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115, represents Autumn, then surely the B Flat Sextet represents Spring. Additional work, TBD. Celebrate the conclusion of the 2018 season in grand melodic style.

The Brahms Sextet in B Flat, Op. 18 is a work that begins in full melodic bloom. From the outset, the cellos predominate, both anchoring the ensemble’s sound and propelling its melodic potential. The inner movements contrast substance in the form of a theme-and-variations movement of stern intensity and a rollicking pastoral scherzo. The Finale is awash in lyricism and ultimately sprints to a joyous conclusion.

The premiere brought together a veritable 19th-century musical triumvirate in the form of violinist Joseph Joachim, pianist Clara Schumann and Brahms himself. We visit A. Morell Wines for the final Tasting Music event of the 2018 season.

Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of Iain and Stephanida Christie. The Steinway grand piano has been generously provided by the Walla Walla Piano Group.

James Stephenson (b. 1969)

LAST CHANTS (2015) FOR PIANO, VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO AND CLARINET

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival Commission

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

VIER ERNSTE GESÄNGE, OP. 121

arr. Barnaby Kerekes

I. Denn es gehet dem Menschen

II. Ich wandte mich und sahe an alle

III. O Tod, wie bitter bist du

IV. Wenn ich mit Menschen und mit Engelszungen redete

INTERMISSION

Joaquín Turina (1882-1949)

LA ORACIÓN DEL TORERO (1925) FOR STRING QUARTET

Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)

LA REVÛE DE CUISINE (1927)

Jazz Suite and Ballet for clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, violin, cello & piano

I. Prologue

II. Tango

III. Charleston

IV. Finale

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Billy Ray Hunter, trumpet; Peter Kolkay, bassoon; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Anna Maberry, Violin; Philip Payton, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Weston Sprott, trombone; and Anna Stoytcheva, piano.

The 2016 Festival Series gets underway with the first performance at the Gesa Power House Theatre. As is our tradition, we begin with the World Premiere of a work commissioned for the occasion, a set of duos for two violins by composer, John Berners. Each piece is a miniature paying homage to the collections of violin duos by Béla Bartók and Luciano Berio respectively.

Next, we encounter an American masterpiece of minimalism by Steve Reich, Different Trains for string quartet and tape. Words become melodies that weave together in sometimes hypnotic repetitions. However, the repetitions change subtly, and Reich creates an emotional documentary of heartbreakingly different journeys by train during the 1940’s in America and Europe.

To bring the performance to a close, WWCMF is delighted to welcome back the Volta Piano Trio for the Brahms Piano Trio in B, Op. 8. Nowhere is the Romanticism of Brahms as optimistic or unbridled as in this early masterpiece. Though Brahms revisited the work later in life to correct the “mistakes” of his 21 year-old self, the youthful exuberance of the work’s origin shines through all the same.

Artists: John Berners, Composer; Jennifer Caine, violin; Timothy Christie, violin/viola; Oksana Ezhokina, piano; Andrew Jennings, violin; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello; and Volta Piano Trio.

Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

Due to performance-related injury, Benjamin Hochman will be unable to perform this June. Pianist Winston Choi has generously agreed to step in. We wish Benjamin a speedy recovery. We look forward to a return engagement once he heals.

The Chicago Tribune had this to say about Winston Choi: “There doesn’t appear to be anything Choi can’t play — and with virtuosic panache to boot.” I think that sums it up pretty well. Winston is the winner of several prestigious international competitions including the 2002 Orléans Concours International and the 2003 Honens International Piano Competition.

But more importantly, Winston was the inspiration for the Festival’s Portrait of an Artist Series.

It all began in Boston at the exclusive St. Botolph Club. Several musicians, Winston among them, were relaxing following a delicious meal. Before long, someone noticed the grand piano across the room. It was suggested that Winston play through some of his repertoire for an upcoming recital. After a few beautifully rendered selections, musicians began calling out requests. Winston gamely played through a staggering amount of repertoire that night, and we all felt that we knew him better for it.

Tonight’s recital will be moderated by Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Timothy Christie. Tickets are extremely limited for this special event.

ANNOUNCED FROM THE STAGE

Partita No. 1 in B Flat, Bach

6 Bagatelles, Op. 126, Beethoven

Prelude in D-Flat, Op. 28, No. 15, “Raindrop,” Chopin

Variations on a Theme of Handel, Brahms

Fugue, Bach (Encore)

Artist: Winston Choi, piano.

Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of Iain and Stephanida Christie.

If you are expecting a lull in intensity for Festival Series 3, you are sadly mistaken. On tap is the raucous Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 25 by Johannes Brahms. While the work enjoyed a second life as a piece for large orchestra, arranged by Arnold Schönberg, the original delivers well beyond its intimate instrumentation of piano, violin, viola and cello. For the occasion, pianist Winston Choi makes his Walla Walla debut. Festival Series 3 will have you booking passage to Hungary to experience first hand the music that inspired Brahms to compose the concluding Gypsy Rondo Finale.

John David Earnest (1940-)

TROIS MORCEAUX (1977)

I. Bagatelle
II. Elegy
III. Caprice

Darius Milhaud (1892-1974)

LA CRÉATION DU MONDE FOR STRING OCTET (1923), ARR. DANNY SEIDENBERG

Intermission

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

PIANO QUARTET IN G MINOR, OP. 25

I. Allegro
II. Intermezzo: Allegro
III. Andante con moto
IV. Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto

Artists: Winston Choi, piano; Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; Philip Payton, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Arianna Warsaw-Fan, violin; and Meta Weiss, cello.

Tonight’s performance and the World Premiere of Last Chants by composer, James M. Stephenson, has been made possible by the generosity of John Jamison and Kathy Wildermuth.

Musicians are always asked to name their favorite piece of music. It is impossible to answer correctly or even truthfully. The musician is supposed to answer by naming whatever piece he or she is currently playing. Tonight, none of the performers will have to fib even a little. The Brahms G Major Sextet stands as a favorite world-wide among string players, and more so among audiences.

Joining this venerated work on the program is a piece that has not yet been played or heard by anyone. Each season, WWCMF commissions a composer to pen a new work to receive its premiere at the opening Festival Series performance. The 2015 Festival Series kicks off with the World Premiere of the Last Chants for Piano, Violin, Viola and Clarinet by composer James Stephenson. Will the Brahms be unseated? There is only one way to find out. Join the celebration as we open the 2015 Festival Series in style!

James M. Stephenson (1969-)

LAST CHANTS FOR PIANO, VIOLIN, VIOLA AND CLARINET (2015)

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

SONATA FOR CELLO AND PIANO (1915)

I. Prologue: Lent, sostenuto e molto risoluto
II. Sérénade: Modérément animé
III. Final: Animé, léger et nerveux

Intermission

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

STRING SEXTET IN G MAJOR, OP. 36

I. Allegro non troppo 
II. Scherzo. Allegro non troppo 
III. Poco Adagio 
IV. Poco Allegro

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Stephen Miahky, violin; Laura Renz, viola; David Requiro, cello; Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Meta Weiss, cello; and Wei-Han Wu, piano.

Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of Hal Hunt.

Brahms’ music is often described in melancholic terms. In the spectacular Sextet in G Major, Op. 36, the description holds true… for about two bars. A brooding half-step ostinato in the viola gives way to a long passage of increasing anticipation. Reaching a peak, the phrase finally reveals the object of anticipation, Agathe von Siebold, a soprano with whom Brahms had been previously engaged to be married. Brahms spells Agathe’s name in musical pitches. How, you ask? Tasting Music 1 will reveal the trick and much more about this glorious work, a favorite of string players the world over.

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

BRAHMS SEXTET IN G MAJOR, OP. 36

I. Allegro non troppo 
II. Scherzo. Allegro non troppo 
III. Poco Adagio 
IV. Poco Allegro

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Stephen Miahky, violin; Laura Renz, viola; Maria Sampen, violin; and Meta Weiss, cello.

Theme and Variation. Wild and Wooly

Collage has become an annual tradition at WWCMF. This showcase of unchecked virtuosity will change your whole perception of classical music and your whole perception of a night out in Waitsburg, Washington. Jim and Claire, the artist-proprietors of jimgermanbar generously open their doors and their hearts to WWCMF each year. To thank them, we put on a kaleidoscopic concert that mashes centuries of music into one show. No breaks between movements; no chance to catch your breath; no time to blink.

The 2012 Collage performances focus on the concept of theme and variation. No such program would be complete without the Paganini Caprice No. 24 in A minor. Composers such as Rachmaninov, Brahms and Liszt all wrote music based on the virtuoso violin piece, and American composer George Rochberg used it for a set of 50 variations for solo violin. It is rumored that Paganini sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for complete mastery of the violin. We’ll leave the dark arts out of it, and just practice a lot before June 14!

Enjoy the signature cocktail: this year Jim will create the “Tango Sureale,” inspired by the profound and wild Clarinet Quintet by William Albright. Past signature drinks have included the “Cavatina” and the “Vox Dei.”

Join us as we pioneer Chamber Music Mixology!

Artists: Timothy Christie, Katri Ervamaa, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Philip Payton, Erik Rynearson, John Sampen, and Maria Sampen

Theme and Variation. Wild and Wooly

Collage has become an annual tradition at WWCMF. This showcase of unchecked virtuosity will change your whole perception of classical music and your whole perception of a night out in Waitsburg, Washington. Jim and Claire, the artist-proprietors of jimgermanbar generously open their doors and their hearts to WWCMF each year. To thank them, we put on a kaleidoscopic concert that mashes centuries of music into one show. No breaks between movements; no chance to catch your breath; no time to blink.

The 2012 Collage performances focus on the concept of theme and variation. No such program would be complete without the Paganini Caprice No. 24 in A minor. Composers such as Rachmaninov, Brahms and Liszt all wrote music based on the virtuoso violin piece, and American composer George Rochberg used it for a set of 50 variations for solo violin. It is rumored that Paganini sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for complete mastery of the violin. We’ll leave the dark arts out of it, and just practice a lot before June 14!

Enjoy the signature cocktail: this year Jim will create the “Tango Sureale,” inspired by the profound and wild Clarinet Quintet by William Albright. Past signature drinks have included the “Cavatina” and the “Vox Dei.”

Join us as we pioneer Chamber Music Mixology!

Artists: Timothy Christie, Katri Ervamaa, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Philip Payton, Erik Rynearson, John Sampen, and Maria Sampen

A piece in the key of B minor can still be major.

Be a part of Opening Night of the 2012 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival Series at the acoustically magnificent Power House Theatre. The program will begin with the World Premiere of New Zealand composer Christopher Gendall’s Reckless Abandon for Piano, Soprano Saxophone, and Violin. This work was specially commissioned for the 2012 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival.

The Power House Theatre was conceived as copy of Shakespeare’s own theater in London. It seems appropriate that we honor that legacy by including some work inspired by the Bard. Gordon Jacob’s Six Shakespearean Sketches consists of six movements for string trio inspired by passages from Shakespeare. WWCMF is delighted to collaborate with Shakespeare Walla Walla on this performance. The six brief movements draw on The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream among others. Jacob’s miniature masterpieces are the perfect intersection between Shakespeare and chamber music.

The program concludes with the autumnal Quintet in B minor for Clarinet and Strings, Op. 115 by Johannes Brahms. When Brahms decided to retire from composition, he composed his Op. 111 String Quintet in 1890 and intended it to be his final composition. Roughly a century in advance of Michael Corleone, however, Brahms was heard to utter, “Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!” In this case, they referred to clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld. Brahms heard Mühlfeld perform, and the experience stirred Brahms’ creative impulses. The result? This Quintet, plus a Trio and two Sonatas for Clarinet and Piano. Together, these pieces represent Brahms’ final works in the medium of chamber music. The Quintet gives us a view into Brahms at the height of his musical powers at the end of his life.

Artists: Timothy Christie, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Stephen Miahky, John Sampen, Maria Sampen, Kevin Schempf, and Cristina Valdes.

Brahms Unmatched beauty, tenderness, and melancholy.

Join WWCMF at Garrison Creek Cellars. Set amid the verdant splendor of Les Collines Vineyards, the Tasting Room and production facility at Garrison Creek Cellars boasts views matched only by the acoustics of the room itself. For this first Tasting Music event of the 2012 Season, we will explore the Clarinet Quintet of Johannes Brahms, Op. 115. It is a work of unmatched beauty, tenderness, and melancholy.

Artists: Timothy Christie, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Stephen Miahky, and Kevin Schempf

Brahms G minor Piano Quartet with music of Marilyn Shrude and Richard Strauss

The 2011 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival concludes with what can be described as the ultimate festival piece, the Brahms G minor Piano Quartet. For the occasion, WWCMF welcomes pianist of the Los Angeles Piano Quartet and Professor of Piano at Cornell University, Xak Bjerken. Brahms’ work is known for its searing gypsy rondo Finale, and will leave you marking your calendars for the 2012 Festival.

Also on the program are two works by non-Italians who have chosen Italian titles for their works. Memorie diLuoghi (Memories of Places) is a sonata for violin and piano by composer, Marilyn Shrude. It is dedicated to the violinist Maria Sampen, her daughter, and fittingly, it is Maria who performs the work this evening. Richard Strauss’ final opera, Capriccio, opens with a string sextet of phenomenal beauty. It is presented here without the rest of the opera… and affords us the rare opportunity to perform chamber music from a composer known for his immense orchestrations.

Artists: Xak Bjerken, Timothy Christie, Kevin Krentz, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Philip Payton, Julia Salerno and Maria Sampen.

Brahms G minor Piano Quartet

Tasting Music IV will explore the G Minor Piano Quartet of Johannes Brahms.

True or False:

Like Samson with his flowing locks, Brahms drew his musical strength from his immense beard.

True. Why do you think pro athletes grow beards in the post season?

Nowhere is Brahms stronger than in this lush work for piano and strings. The work’s grand stature inspired composer Arnold Schönberg to arrange the piece for large orchestra.  That version is sometimes called “Brahms’ Fifth Symphony.”  However, chamber music is about intimacy, and here the work is presented by the original performing force of four musicians amid the warmly appointed Sinclair Estate Vinyards (SEV) tasting room in the heart of downtown Walla Walla.  Start growing your beard now (gentlemen only, please) and be ready for this final Tasting Music Event of the 2011 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival.

Artists: Xak Bjerken, Timothy Christie, Nobert Lewandowski and Stephen Miahky

Popper: Requiem for 3 Cellos and Piano

Brahms: Piano Quartet in c minor Op. 60

Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings in E flat Op. 20

Schiff: Divertimento from Gimpel the Fool

Bartok: Contrasts

Brahms: Viola Quintet in G Major Op. 111

Wine, like classical music, can be an intimidating and complex subject: structure, acidity, balance, tannin, and every fruit imaginable (besides grapes!) seems to assert itself in a glass of good wine.

In music, form, structure, harmony, development, motive, and counterpoint are some of the building blocks that remain a mystery for the well-intentioned listener. Tasting Music addresses both, providing sips and sounds that will enhance the experience of listening to classical music, all in an informal tasting room setting. Guests are invited to sample wines, enjoy a snack, and participate in a discussion/performance of chamber music by Festival musicians. Each Tasting Music event will explore one musical work from the Festival Series in an informal but informative hour-long format. Guests can ask questions and interact with the musicians in a relaxed and fun environment. To learn about wine, one must taste. To learn about music, one must listen. Multitasking never felt so good.

Tonight: Brahms Viola Quintet in G Op. 111

Pierce: "Lord of June: Dragonfly Music for String Trio"

—Composed for the 2008 WWCMF. World premiere performance.

Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 Op. 110

Brahms: Piano Quintet in f minor Op. 34