February 8, 2025 - Christopher Ferrer, cello - Cacie Miller, piano at 7:30 pm

In the works by Debussy, Schostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Ravel

Sonata for Cello and Piano, Claude Debussy (1915). Claude Debussy (1862-1918) wrote his cello sonata as part of a set of six pieces dedicated to his wife. He offers melodic lines to both instruments, with tremendous interplay of textures and techniques set within, in Debussy’s own words to his publisher, "almost classical form in the best sense of the word.” Although there are three parts to this piece, the final movement “Finale” is performed attaca - attached, or without pause.

Lensky’s Aria from the opera “Eugene Onegin” Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1879). Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) is a master of storytelling. This particular setting of Lensky’s song from his opera Eugene Onegin has been arranged for cello & piano by Ukrainian cellist Mikhail Bukinik.

Cello Sonata in D minor, Dmitri Shostakovich (1934). Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was a Russian composer who achieved international fame and notoriety in his lifetime, while also enduring draconian Soviet policies, censure, and harsh war-time conditions. Although sometimes strident and cynical as a composer, this pre-war sonata for cello and piano weaves a dream-like tale, peppered with some introspection and even genuine humor.

Piece in form of a Habanera, Maurice Ravel (1907). Originally written for voice and piano, Ravel (1875-1934) later released this ‘vocalise-etude’ for cello. Slow, dancing rhythms in the piano introduce a soulful protagonist.