Since its inception, the joy of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster Series has actually been its crescendo of dual attractions—shorter, intriguing works, often virtuosic, that may be new to the audience or works you probably won’t hear elsewhere. These appetizers are then followed by a major piece for larger ensemble consisting of Concertmaster William Shaub and some of his colleagues from the orchestra.
That was still the plan for this week’s installment of the Concertmaster Series at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Shaub opened the concert with a trio for violin, viola, and cello called Loop by contemporary composer Carlos Simon, then followed it up with two works by Claude Debussy. The larger work on the program was Robert Schumann’s landmark Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, op. 44.
To say Simon’s Loop is fresh is an understatement, in more ways than one. Commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and composed during the 2020 months of the pandemic, the work reflects the composer’s feelings on being cooped up at home—”stuck in a loop.” Shaub on violin was joined by violist Kathryn Gawne and cellist Sarah Miller.
Pianist Kevin Class of the University of Tennessee School of Music faculty joined Shaub for the two works by Claude Debussy, the Sonata for violin and piano, and a version of “Clair de lune” for violin and piano.
Pianist Class, a regular Concertmaster Series collaborator with Shaub, is called upon for duties that run the gamut of piano parts. In the case of the monumental Schumann quintet, though, Class’ notable accuracy and musicality were in the spotlight. Schumann wrote the quintet with the pianistic abilities of his wife, Clara, in mind, also structuring it as a piano and string quartet work. Shaub was joined on violin by Sean Claire, violist Gawne, and cellist Andy Bryenton.
There was something incredibly satisfying about the solidity of the opening Allegro movement of the Schumann quintet, in this case, lyrically solid, with string colors popping up like spring flowers. However, it was in the third Scherzo movement that the ensemble found maximum fire and heat, characteristics that carried over into the finale and its magnificent wrap up of themes. All in all, the Schumann was an all too perfect way to close out the series.
There is a final performance of this program tonight (Thursday, March 31, 7:00 PM) at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Tickets online or at the door.
