Bene Basso Performs

Tonight we performed the Brahms Sextet No 1 (Op 18) at West Portland United Methodist Church. Not an large crowd, and the concert got started late, but all in all the piece went well. There were several musicians I know in the audience and they had positive feedback. One violist complimented me saying "you're such a solid chamber player". That feels great considering I've only been back at it for less than three years and played my first Brahms chamber work less than two years ago.

Chamber Music Northwest Brahms Festival

Tonight was the second installment of Chamber Music Northwest's Brahms Festival Concerts. I attended both last night's show and tonight's. Having played a good amount of Brahms' chamber music, I have been looking forward to the concerts and came away more than satisfied. Tuesday night's highlight (for me) was the F minor Piano Quintet. Tonight's was the Piano Quartet Op. 25. I know there were a number of people there to see the Clarinet Quintet, but having made several (unsatisfactory) attempts at playing it, I just couldn't shake my unease. The Piano Quartet (even though I prefer Op. 60) was fantastic. Heavy, deep music played energetically and enthusiastically and the entire crowd was moved (and to their feet at the end). Roaring applause brought the musicians back to the stage four times (though I was a bit surprised there was no encore).

There was an added bonus for me. In addition to the dozen or more musicians I know in attendance, I was seated directly adjacent to Carlos Kalmar, the Oregon Symphony's Conductor and Music Director. I had occasion to introduce myself and we had a nice conversation about chamber music (there will be more information in this space in the near future about this conversation). Also, four seats to my right sat the Oregon Symphony's concertmaster, Amy Schwartz-Moretti, whom I greatly admire.

There is really much more to say here, but it'll have to wait. For now, I'll simply say it was a fantastic, energetic and inspiring performance and I look forward to the summer festival program. Next up, Brahms Requiem on Monday night.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Well, yesterday was the first time I've gone two days without playing in months. And, to boot, I actually played my violin on Saturday. So, no viola on Sat through Mon. Incredible. However, I've found that sometimes these short breaks actually help my playing (but not always). Had rehearsal at Portland State today and just felt great. I suspect it also had a bit to do with seeing Brahms 2 last night at the Schnitz. Hopefully tonight's Chamber Music NW concert will help out my Brahms Sextet as well. In honor of the Brahms Fest (perhaps, but probably not), we played Academic Festival Overture. I believe this is for PSU's joint concert with the SFSU strings in March.

Eagle Creek

Had a chance to do a little hiking this weekend. While Southern California is drowning in rain, Portland is having balmy weather. Ironic? Anyway, walked up the Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls. Followed up with an early dinner at Charburger in Cascade Locks. Photo features Nelly (violinist) and Mike (trumpeter).

Gwen Toth

Have been trading emails with Gwen Toth, a rock star harpsichordist, and apparently quite an authority on baroque and renaissance music. Turns out she too has owned weimaraners in the past, so we have more than just Brandenburg Concertos to talk about. Anyway, she was a great coach for our Brandenburg Cycle Concerts last weekend and is a nice person to boot. Buy her CDs.

Bene Basso - Brahms Sextet

A quick addition to the performance calendar. Playing the Brahms Sextet for Strings #1 on March 5 at some Methodist Church in SW Portland. The info is here. Hope you can make it!

Brahms Fest begins...

Went to see Oregon Symphony play Brahms 2 tonight. Great seats-4th row orchestra, near the center aisle, viola side. Probably if I weren't so familiar with the musicians, I would think less about the acoustics in these seats. But, as I'm fixated on the string players, the seats are outstanding. I can make eye contact with Joel, my teacher, and Amy, the concertmaster. It's also great to be able to pick out the sounds of each player. Ran into some old neighbors from Ladds Addition, an old PCC classmate, my stand partner from Friday's Columbia Symphony concert, and my friend Natalie. I was accompanied by Marya and my friend Paul, the cellist. Tomorrow night is Chamber Music Northwest's Brahms Fest debut.

Adam's back...Say hi for me!

Well, Adam LaMotte is having another gig next week (see below). Sadly I won't be able to make this one as I'll be at the Chamber Music Northwest Brahms Festival. However, since Brahms is one of my favorite composers, it's a fair trade. If I have a hankering to see Four Seasons, I can see Portland Baroque perform it at the end of April.