“Breaking Boundaries”

Perhaps more than any other composer in history, Beethoven charted a completely revolutionary course for what music could be. His boldly inventive and experimental dynamics, tonality, rhythms, and forms were unlike anything audiences had ever heard. This concert begins with his highly innovative Op. 44 variations from 1792, which some consider his first “piano trio”—even though it doesn’t quite follow the multi-movement form pioneered by his mentor, Haydn. Just a few years later, his Op. 1, Nos. 2 and 3 so startled and astonished audiences that Haydn himself recommended that Beethoven not publish them, or risk ruining his career. Prepare to be equally amazed by the wildly original, emerging musical master of the 18th century.

Program

Beethoven Variations on an Original Theme in E-flat Major for Piano Trio, Op. 44
Beethoven Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1, No. 3
Beethoven Piano Trio in G Major, Op. 1, No. 2

Chien-Kim-Watkins Piano Trio: Gloria Chien, piano; Soovin Kim, violin; Paul Watkins, cello