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Beat by Beat | Classical & Beyond<br />
My Sunny<br />
Valentine<br />
SHARNA SEARLE<br />
As i sit here, on the coldest January day in Toronto on record<br />
since 2009, it’s almost comforting to have to turn my thoughts<br />
to the romantic, warmth-inducing, Valentine’s Day-inspired<br />
concerts that February brings. And, indeed, there is much to tempt<br />
us, an array of delightful performances to warm the “cockles of your<br />
heart” — metaphorical or otherwise, whatever they are — and, hopefully,<br />
the rest of your body, too.<br />
chopin, obviously: Think fast. Most romantic composer? Answer:<br />
Chopin. Yes, there are others, and he may not be your first choice (or<br />
not your choice at all), but, let’s face it: it’s not really possible to get<br />
through a column about concerts in the “season of romance” without<br />
mentioning those featuring the works of Chopin. Besides, who<br />
would want to? For so many, myself included, it’s gorgeous, seductive,<br />
romantic music.<br />
Chopin’s oeuvre consists mostly of solo piano works — nocturnes,<br />
waltzes, préludes, études, ballades, impromptus, polonaises and<br />
mazurkas, to name some of the most familiar and beloved. In addition,<br />
he also wrote two piano concertos, some songs set to Polish texts<br />
and a few chamber pieces. This month, we are treated to at least one<br />
ballade, waltz and polonaise, two sets of études (12 in each), his set of<br />
24 préludes, a sonata, two scherzos, a chamber work and a concerto.<br />
So much Chopin, so little time ... or space.<br />
So let’s get right to it; and don’t forget to check the Quick Picks<br />
at the end.<br />
chopin, not so obviously: Chopin is not the first composer to spring<br />
to mind when considering repertoire for a chamber choir known for<br />
its historically accurate performances of music from the Baroque and<br />
Classical periods. Then again, the Georgetown Bach Chorale is not<br />
your average chamber choir. In addition to its innovative choral programming,<br />
as part of its season it also offers concerts of orchestral,<br />
chamber and solo performances, often involving creative collaborations<br />
with guest artists, in unique venues.<br />
Its February 10 and March 3 concerts are a case in point: the first<br />
is a 4pm house concert titled “Winter Moods,” and features guest<br />
cellist Mary-Katherine Finch and the Chorale’s artistic director/conductor,<br />
Ron Greidanus, at the piano, in chamber works by Debussy,<br />
Chopin and Prokofiev. Regarding the Chopin “mystery music” (“works<br />
by” is all we were told), it’s a safe bet to expect either — or possibly<br />
both (there are only two Chopin works for cello and piano) — the<br />
Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op.65 and/or the Grand Duo concertant<br />
in E Major B70, (written, jointly, with Chopin’s friend, cellist<br />
Auguste Franchomme). If that isn’t filling enough, for the $45 inadvance-only<br />
ticket, you also get a choice of hot stews, cheeses and<br />
homemade bread after the concert. If music — and stews — be the food<br />
of love, indeed!<br />
“Relics of the Romantic Era,” on March 3, 8pm, in the quaint Norval<br />
United Church, will feature solo works by Chopin performed by guest<br />
pianist Matthew Pope, in addition to choral works by Reger, Brahms<br />
and Tavener. As stated in its brochure, it has always been a mission<br />
of the Chorale “to expand the musical experiences of its listeners.”<br />
Judging by these two concerts, clearly it’s “mission accomplished.”<br />
And with that interesting detour out of the way, on to the solo<br />
piano music!<br />
Formidable Fialkowska: Celebrated Canadian pianist Janina<br />
Fialkowska is a musical force to be reckoned with and a distinguished<br />
interpreter of Chopin’s piano works. Along the way, she received some<br />
excellent mentoring: after her prize-winning performance at the<br />
Featuring André Caplet’s impressionistic Messe à trois voix, John Greer’s<br />
delightful Chante, voyageur, chante!, Sir Ernest MacMillan’s marvelous<br />
arrangement of Blanche comme la neige, and a piece written for the Scholars<br />
by Ruth Watson Henderson. Works by Cable, Champagne, Debussy, Fauré,<br />
Milhaud, Martin, Poulenc and Togni complete this fête of French choral music.<br />
Sunday, March 3, 2013<br />
7:30pm<br />
Our Lady of Sorrows Church<br />
3055 Bloor Street West<br />
(1/2 block west of Royal York subway)<br />
Admission $25<br />
Seniors & Students $20<br />
Tickets and info<br />
416.761.7776<br />
www.victoriascholars.ca<br />
February 1 – March 7, 2013 thewholenote.com 15
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