An Evening of Chamber Music with LYRA, Robert Spano and a Bosendorfer

Sam Bennett — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:12:00 GMT

Several weeks ago, I circled this event on my calendar. PianoWorks regularly supplies pianos in support of many recitals, concerts and other musical events around Georgia. This concert, I wanted to attend personally. Last Sunday, I attended a wonderful evening of chamber music at Callanwolde. LYRA performed with special guest Robert Spano on piano. And the outstanding conductor for the Atlanta Symphony can really play. The quartet chose for their program pieces that really showcased Robert's talents on a Bosendorfer concert grand piano. Not that I ever expected any less, but that evening was a real treat for me.

Callanwolde creates a perfect setting for chamber music. The audience gathers just inches from the performers under lamp lighting. The strings gather almost in the curve of the concert grand piano in one corner of the elegantly appointed chamber. Behind the chairs set out for visitors, the grand staircase serves as a balcony for latecomers. This concert was also a fundraiser to support a strings program for students that have had music cut from their public school budgets.

The night began with the strings, Franz Shubert's Trio No. 1 in Bb Major for Violin, Viola and Cello, D. 471. This set the mood and I began to know the players. Spano joined for Mozart's Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, KV 478. After the intermission, I enjoyed Piano Quartet in Eb Major, Op. 47 by Robert Schumann. The 3rd movement of this piece was my personal favorite.

Afterwards, I spoke with the both Robert Spano and LYRA founding member, Raymond Leung curious about their impressions of the visiting instrument, our Bosendorfer concert grand. Among other positive comments, Robert Spano stated the piano was, "absolutely wonderful" and Leung delighted how much better suited this piano was for them over their second choice instrument. I hope to have video to share in a future update.

Raymond (LYRA), Robert Spano, Judith Cox (LYRA), Christopher French (LYRA) and me, Sam Bennett

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An Evening of Chamber Music with LYRA, Robert Spano and a Bosendorfer