Pleasanton Chamber Players – April 28, 2013

For their 10th anniversary performance, the Pleasanton Chamber Players present a program featuring a “German half” and a “French half”, with beloved favorites and rare gems from the late romantic classical era, showcasing an interesting variety of instrumental combinations. Continuing a tradition of eclectic programming, the Pleasanton Chamber Players will introduce an instrument new to the group: the robust French horn. The first “German” half of the concert will feature late-romantic works: Brahms Trio Op. 40 for piano, violin and horn, with its hunting-horn calls and love-of-nature theme, as well as the Nocturne by the verismo opera composer Ferdinand Hummel and Gondellied by harpist Alfred Holý. The second “French” half will start with Aubade, a collaborative work by Bochsa, Tulou, Duport and Puzzi, who were each famous virtuosos on their respective instrument (harp, flute, ‘cello and horn) and performed this early morning potpourri in front of the French Royal Family (Louis XVIII and gang after Napoleons exile to Alba) at the time of the first French Restoration. Louis Gannes Extase (Ecstasy) for violin, ‘cello and harp will show a more traditional treatment of a mood for which his contemporary Debussy is justly celebrated (as in Cest lextase). The program will end with Faurés Trio in D minor Op. 120, for violin, ‘cello and piano, a stunning masterpiece of his old age.