The Joyful Mysteries | Nathan Meltzer and Umi Garrett

 “The Joyful Mysteries” explores a selection from the first Five Sonatas of Biber’s cycle and pairs them with works that explore their respective tonalities. Following the first Biber Sonata, Saad Haddad’s “Kaman Fantasy” delves into Arabic ‘maqamat’ scales and rhythms. Utilizing quarter tones, piano preparation, instrumental percussion, and moments of its own scordatura, the work embraces the modal tonality and style of traditional Arabic music. The first half of the program ends with Ravel’s “Tzigane, ” a work with bold and unique structure; the work begins with a dark and stormy violin cadenza before transitioning to a set of variations on a fun and whimsical theme. Finally, the program ends with the joyful Sonata in A Major by Gabriel Fauré, a gentle return to the beauty of standard tonalities.

 

PROGRAM

Heinrich Franz Biber: Sonata No. 1 in D Minor

Saad Haddad: Kaman Fantasy 

Heinrich Franz Biber: Sonata No. 3 in B Minor

Maurice Ravel: Tzigane

- Intermission -

Heinrich Franz Biber: Sonata No. 5 in A Major 

Gabriel Fauré: Sonata No. 1 in A Major