This Week: KSO Concertmaster Series Explores the Subtle Side of Romance

Concertmaster William Shaub has something for everyone in his upcoming Concertmaster Series installments February 4/5 at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Pre-Valentine’s Day, Shaub will explore the “inward, reflective side of romance.” Shaub says he doesn’t draw clear distinctions between new and old music – as clearly evidenced by the ingenious mix he offers his listeners this week. 

Who doesn’t love a great passacaglia by George Frideric Handel, particularly one that violinist/composer Johan Halvorsen took from a basic Harpsichord Suite and reorchestrated into a stunning violin/cello duo? Shaub will be joined by KSO cellist Adam Ayers, who has the formidable task of laying down the four-measure ground bass upon which 12 variations will be spun off.

Bookending the recital is Robert Schumann’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 – an absolute barnburner. The fact that it was first performed by all-time greats Joseph Joachim and Clara Schumann forecasts there will be no shortage of virtuosic fireworks. We will look to Shaub and pianist Kevin Class to deliver the musical goods.

But it’s the middle of the recital when things get really interesting. We’ll hear the “Air” from Karl Goldmark’s Violin Concerto – a work not often performed but one I sought out on YouTube to educate myself. Let me tell you, it’s a gem.

And moving on, here’s something I never thought I’d say: I’m looking forward to a piece by a living composer that is scored for violin, cello, bassoon, and piano. Yes, you read that correctly. Again, thank you YouTube for the preview, which confirms Shaub’s savvy programming instincts. Katerina Souponetsky’s Tides of Solitude is exciting, energetic, and ingeniously scored for this seemingly disparate instrumental combo. Souponetsky makes a case for a new grouping, which I guess we can call “bassoon+piano trio.” It will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know KSO Principal Bassoon Duncan Henry.

Shaub says the Concertmaster Series is special to him because it’s an opportunity “to form real connections with the music, with composers of today, and with our audience.” As someone who has been attending classical concerts since I was a young child, I find Shaub’s programming gives me the serving of traditional I always crave, while stimulating my musical palate with newer works or those that are off the beaten track.

Whether you have a designated Valentine or not, don’t miss this eclectic exploration of romance.