The Troika Ensemble – September 27, 2015

The Troika Ensemble

Lawrence London, clarinet; Victor Romasevich, viola, piano & violin; Arkadi Serper, piano

W. A. Mozart Trio, K. 498, ‘Kegelstatt’
Béla Bartók Contrasts
Iosif Andriasov Concertino, Op. 27
Max Bruch Eight Pieces for viola, clarinet, and piano, Op. 83 (selections)
Robert Schumann Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132

The Troika Ensemble presents a concert of Classical, Romantic and 20th Century masterpieces. The program includes Mozart’s Trio, K. 498, ‘Kegelstatt’, for viola, clarinet and piano. It is the singular work in Mozart’s catalog for this combination of instruments and is ranked among his highest achievements in chamber music. The other centerpiece of the program is Bartók’s Contrasts, three movements of poetic, bravura virtuosity for clarinet, violin and piano, that was commissioned by jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman. It is the last work Bartók wrote before fleeing to the United States from German-occupied Hungary in 1938. Also on the program is Iosif Andriasov’s Concertino, Op. 27 for clarinet and piano. A work of pure beauty and satirical commentary by one of the brightest stars of Soviet music in the post-World War II era. From the 19th century is four selections from Eight Pieces for viola, clarinet and piano, Op. 83 by Max Bruch: mellifluous, lyrical expressions of late Romanticism in the style of Schumann and Brahms. Accompanying this set of pieces is a movement from Robert Schumann’s Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132, one of his last compositions, a work of great charm and profound expression. The Troika Ensemble consists of Victor Romasevich on violin, viola and piano, Arkadi Serper on piano, and Larry London on clarinet. Mr. Romasevich is a long-standing member of the San Francisco Symphony and a well-known soloist and chamber musician. Distinguished pianist, chamber musician, composer and teacher, Arkadi Serper is one of the most versatile and important of Bay Area musicians. He teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory and the Crowden School. Larry London, clarinetist, has played chamber music extensively in the Bay Area for 40 years. He is also a composer and teacher.