Robert Schwartz – March 15, 2015

Mozart Sonata in B-flat major, K. 570Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, selectionsBrahms Sonata in F minor, Op. 5San Francisco pianist Robert Schwartz brings us a program of classical and romantic Germanic works. The evening begins with Mozart’s late masterpiece, Sonata in B-flat K. 570, a piece of operatic breadth, in which the composer moves effortlessly between heroism and intimacy, tragedy and rustic humor. Schwartz also presents six selections from Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, a collection of piano pieces that proclaim Mendelssohn’s remarkable affinity for the voice as much as his mastery of the piano. Brahms’ epic Sonata No. 3 in F minor closes the program. This sprawling symphonic work impelled Robert Schumann to proclaim the twenty-year-old Brahms “a genius” throughout Europe. Schwartz enjoys an international career along with his frequent local appearances. He has most recently performed and given master classes in Rosario, Argentina, Southern France, Beijing and Vienna. Local appearances include the Music Academy of the West, Carmel Music Society and The Steinway Society. Critics have praised Schwartz for his “intense poetic passion” and his “remarkable insights.” His varied repertoire ranges from Bach to contemporary avant-garde music. He recorded a recital of French music for the Vif label and a CD of Albéniz’s Iberia will soon be released. Schwartz teaches currently at Mills College in Oakland and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as maintaining an extensive private studio in San Francisco.