March 24, 2024
Hodgson Concert Hall, University of Georgia Performing Arts Center
Athens, GA – USA
Edward Dusinberre & Harum Rhodes, violins; Richard O’Neill, viola; András Fejér, cello; Marc-André Hamelin.
Hugo WOLF: Italieniische Serenade
Florence PRICE: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A minor
Antonín DVOŘÁK: Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81
Mark Gresham | 27 MAR 2024
Navigating from Atlanta to the University of Georgia’s Performing Arts Center in Athens is straightforward. Departing from midtown Atlanta, for example, travelers head northeast on I-85, then Georgia SR 316, known as University Parkway, for approximately 70 miles, following signs for Athens. While traffic congestion can occur during peak travel times (especially during the days of UGA football home games), the overall trip is relatively easy, given the well-maintained highways and clear signage. Alternatively, if you live on Atlanta’s east or southeast side, consider taking US 78 all the way out to where it joins University Parkway near Athens.
Once in Athens, directions to the UGA-PAC are readily available — or you can follow the route via Google Maps, making the final leg of the journey simple and hassle-free directly to the PAC’s parking deck, where the parking is free on weekends.
This past Sunday afternoon, the UGA Presents series hosted a chamber concert by The Takács Quartet (violinists Edward Dusinberre & Harum Rhodes, violist Richard O’Neill, and cellist András Fejér) with guest pianist Marc-André Hamelin in the Center’s Hodgson Hall.
Takács Quartet opened the concert with Hugo Wolf’s Italienische Serenade (“Italian Serenade”).
Wolf composed his Italian Serenade in 1887 for string quartet under the title “Serenade in G major.” By April 1890, he began referring to it as the “Italian Serenade.” The single-movement work lasts approximately 7 minutes. It features a lively, optimistic theme woven with an old Italian tune, characterized by a melodic richness that reflects the Italian spirit, which the Quartet brought out well in their performance.
Pianist Marc-André Hamelin then joined the Takács Quartet to perform Florence Price’s Quintet No. 2 in A minor, a piece that presents a fusion of European classical tradition and African-American heritage, showcased through vibrant melodies and rhythmic innovations.
The opening “Allegro non troppo” movement melds traditional sonata-allegro form with a more rhapsodic style reminiscent of late romantic, turn-of-the-century French organ symphonies.
The “Andante con moto” second movement echoes Dvorak’s American compositions with folkloric melodies and nods to traditional spirituals. At the same time, Price’s incorporation of a Juba dance for the “Allegro” third movement infuses the piece with energetic syncopations reminiscent of ragtime and cakewalk, which features call-and-response interactions between piano and strings, highlighting her synthesis of cultural influences.
In tarantella style with rapid key changes, the Quintet’s concluding Scherzo (“Allegro”) features harmonic experimentation while maintaining ties to spiritual traditions. Despite composing in a tonal style during an era dominated by modernist tendencies, Price’s Quintet is a fine testament to her culturally pioneering contribution to the genre.
Following intermission, the five musicians delivered Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op 81, showcasing the composer’s characteristic capacity for expressive lyricism intertwined with original melodies reminiscent of Czech folk music.
With the opening “Allegro, ma non tanto” movement, the cello and piano establish a lyrical ambiance, paving the way for its vibrant, multifaceted development. The second movement (“Andante con moto”) embodied a dumka, while the ensuing “Molto vivace” scherzo took on the lively essence of a furiant.
Hemelin initiated the brisk “Allegro” finale with rapid-fire bursts from the piano accompanied by spirited playing from the Quartet; the after a big breath, the movement took off at a brisk pace, only eased near the end by a brief, tranquil chorale before a decisive rush to the emphatic conclusion. ■
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- Takács Quartet: takacsquartet.com
- Marc-André Hamelin: marcandrehamelin.com
- University of Georgia Performing Arts Center: pac.uga.edu
Read more by Mark Gresham.
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