Friends of Music will host the celebrated KZNPO Ensemble in their next recital on July 23. Led by KZN Philharmonic Concert Master Hristo Kardjiev on violin, the performers include Andrew Warburton (piano), Nassi Georgieva (viola), Kristian Chernev (cello) and Yura Litvinenko (double bass).

The programme includes Handel’s Trio Sonata for violin, viola and cello. E major, Brahms’ Sonata for Violin and Piano op.108 in D minor and Schubert’s much-loved Trout Quintet.

Originally written for violin and basso continuo, Handel’s Trio Sonata is one of the well-known six violin and piano sonatas written in the style of the so-called “church” sonata form. It has beautiful music, displaying melodic characteristics very close to the best Italian examples of that time. The work has been arranged for string trio by Hristo Kardjiev.

The Brahms’ Sonata is one of three such works written by the composer and considered the most gracious of the group. The difficult problem of blending such disparate instruments as the violin and piano has nowhere been solved more successfully, Brahms having achieved a work on a symphonic scale with a focus on romantic melancholy.

Schubert’s Trout Quintet was the result of the composer’s throwing off of the scholar’s yoke and entering upon the thorny path of the independent creative artist. He could not revert to the old easy-going serenade atmosphere for his chamber music but was impelled to seek a different framework for the joys and sorrows surging within him.

The concert takes place in the Durban Jewish Club in Old Fort Road and starts at 19h45 with a ten minute performance from Prelude Performer Danielle Schmid, a talented young clarinet player. A cash bar is available and there is safe parking. Book at Computicket.

Those wishing to receive information regarding FOM activities by e-mail should request this service from csmart@iafrica.com