Music Matters: French Cello Sonatas by Poulenc, Onslow, and Debussy

Ted Mook, violoncello
Michael Bahmann, 1930 Mason & Hamlin

George Onslow  Cello sonata in c, Op. 16, No. 2
Francis Poulenc  Sonata pour violoncelle et piano
Claude Debussy  Sonata pour violoncelle et piano

All three composers – fervent Frenchmen to the nth degree! – were superb pianists and worked with some of the stellar string players of their times. Their occasional take-no-prisoners writing for both instruments puts lyricism, refined Gallic angularity, and crystalline, chiseled dialogue first. George Onslow (1784-1853) wrote three brilliantly imaginative cello sonatas, the very first in France, whose transparent textures and sinewy lines gently evoke Beethoven. The Debussy and Poulenc sonatas are compact, often breathtakingly terse. As they soar to spare, poignant heights of expression, each work plumbs the players’ every resource.

French music is a powerful antidote to the depths of winter. Join us to bask in the warmth!

This celebration of French chamber music lasts about 65′ and is without an intermission.

All seating is unreserved: first come, first served. Doors open 1/2 hour before the start of the concert. Please note that you don’t need a paper ticket; simply give your name at the door.

Tickets $20 online; $25 at the door.