Tchaikovsky Trio in A minor, Op. 50

Shostakovich Trio no. 2 Op. 67

Performers:

Oxana Ossiptchouk, violin

Peter Hedlin, cello

Kathleen Solose, piano

Tchaikovsky’s music celebrated the affluent and imperial atmosphere of St. Petersburg in the 1870’s, reflecting the cosmopolitan influences of Europe, as well as the pomp of Russian military parades and ever-popular Slavic folk songs. His later works are imbued with an intense melancholy, relating to personal issues as well as a premonition of the eventual demise of the city and society of St. Petersburg.

Shostakovich’s Trio no. 2 was written during wartime in 1943. The piece begins with a high, strained voice depicted by difficult harmonics on the cello. The tragic and barely moving slow movement contrasts with the comic hysteria of the Scherzo. In the last movement Shostakovich unabashedly uses Klezmer themes and modes. His outrageous and devastating humour thinly disguises his personal reactions and coping mechanisms as a survivor of the harsh regime and the devastation of war. The piece is dedicated to Ivan Sollertinsky, a good friend who died in Novosibirsk after being evacuated due to the Nazi siege of Leningrad.

This will be presented live, in person. Maximum seating capacity will be 60 persons, with social distancing. Masks are recommended for all audience members. The onus will be on concert-goers to keep yourselves and others safe. A live-stream ticket option will be available to patrons who decide to enjoy the program online.