A three-part virtual concert series began on Feb. 14 and will continue on Sundays, Feb. 21 and 28, at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Each installment of the series features one movement of Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47, in A major, along with spoken word performances by Amanda Kemp. The series features Michael Jamanis on violin, Frances Veri on piano, Matthew Woodson on percussion, and guests from Music for Everyone.
The Feb. 21 concert will include the sonata's second movement, Andante con Variazioni, and the Feb. 28 concert will include the third movement, Presto. The spoken word presentations will be "Walking While Black" by Kemp on Feb. 21 and "Georgie Porgie, or A Moor in Vienna" by Rita Dove and "Yemaya" by Kemp on Feb. 28.
Violin Sonata No. 9 is notable for its technical difficulty, unusual length, and emotional scope. It is commonly known as the Kreutzer Sonata, but it was originally dedicated to the violinist George Bridgetower. The work was premiered by Bridgetower and Beethoven on May 24, 1803. It has been said that Bridgetower sight-read the sonata and improvised variations as he played. After the premiere performance, Beethoven and Bridgetower had a disagreement, and Beethoven revised the dedication of the piece to instead honor Rodolphe Kreutzer, who disliked the piece and refused to play it.
To register for the Zoom events, readers may visit http://tinyurl.com/4jk64yhw. Access is by donation. Anyone contributing a set amount or more will receive special limited access to the concert recordings after the events. A portion of all funds raised will go to Crispus Attucks Community Center in Lancaster.
For more information, readers may email michaeljamanis@gmail.com.
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