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What's Interesting this month?

In The Spotlight – 10 February

10 February at 7.00 PM
In this In the Spotlight program Keith Hempton presents performances by the Belgian pianist, Ivo Pogotelich and his performances of works by Brahms, Chopin, and Domenico Scarlatti. Brahms took long walks in the countryside. Possibly Brahms’ physical wanderings were counterparts to his psychological wanderings. Constantly in his thoughts was his faithful friendship with Clara Schumann. Pogorelich excels when he plays works by Brahms. Chopin, too, has always played a central role in Pogrelich’s repertoire. There is no-one better than Pogorelich t to interpret Domenico Scarlatti’s keyboard sonatas. This In the Spotlight program is essential for anyone wishing to listen to performances by Pogorelich.

Chamber Music – 10 February

10 February at 8.00 PM
John Pederson Chamber Music program consists-of four captivating works. Robert Schumann compartmentalized his composing. 1842 was his year of writing Chamber Music works. The Piano Quintet in E flat major Op 44 , composed in 1842, is not only one of Schumann’s greatest chamber work it is arguably one of the greatest chamber works of all time. It will be played by Leonard Bernstein, piano, and the Juilliard Quartet. Louis Spohr was married to a harpist, Dorette Spohr, so when he set out to write sonatas for harp and violin he focused on writing sonatas that would display the technical skill of the two artists and also their musical expressiveness. Spohr’s Sonata for Harp and Violin in G major Op 115 will be played by Sophie Langdon, violin and Hugh Webb, harp. Bedrich Smetana’s String Quartet No 1 ‘From my Life’ is semi-autobiographical like a tone picture with nationalistic elements. It honours the composer’s roots. It will be played by the Endellion Quartet. In strong breaks with tradition Antoine Reicha experimented with wind instruments, and he invented the Wind Quintet, which produced-a-new sound that quickly became popular. Reicha’s Quintet for oboe and string quartet in F major will be played by Pavel Verner, oboe and the New Vlach Quartet.

Twenty-Twenty One – 13 February

13 February at 8.00 PM
Four monumental works appear in this Twenty-Twenty One program. Christopher Stone opens with the Concerto for 7 Wind Instruments, Timpani, Percussion & Strings by the Swiss composer, Frank Martin. Technically difficult, the virtuosity of each of the 7 wind instruments is showcased. This work is essential to note in your diary. Roger Smalley’s thoroughly enjoyable Piano Quintet has a bright, fresh feel to it as it periodically moves seamlessly from the composer’s own compositional style to quotations from a Mazurka by Chopin. It will be played by Roger Smalley, piano, together with the Australian String Quartet. Next, something completely different: The String Quartet No 15 in E minor Op 144 by Shostakovich has been referred to by some critics as singular because it is moving and unforgettable. It will be played by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet. Britten considered his Cello Symphony as a symphony because there is an even balance between the Cello and the Orchestra. Mstislav Rostropovich and the English Chamber Orchestra are conducted by Benjamin Britten.

Cantate Domino – 16 February

16 February at 8.00 AM
There are many highlights to look forward to in Cantate Domino presented by Gabrielle Scherrer: Many of the works by the German-Danish composer, Johann Adolph Scheibe’s have been lost but the extant ones demonstrate a style between the Baroque and Classical periods. One of his major works was a funeral Cantata on the death of King Frederick V. Three works by Scheibe appear in this program. Concerto Copenhagen is directed by Andrew Manze. The Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah have been set to passages from the Bible by many composers. Thomas Tallis set the first two Chapters of the Biblical Book of Lamentations during the time of religious chaos that was occurring during Tudor England when many Roman Catholics were mourning the depletion of their numbers amid the rise of Protestantism. The Tallis Scholars are directed by Peter Phillips. There are so many works to enjoy in Cantate Domino.

Baroque & Before – 16 February

16 February at 6.00 PM
William Booker begins with a work by Giovanni Battista Bononcini. Bononcini was a very interesting Italian composer, cellist, singer, teacher, and a steadfast rival to George Frederic Handel. We will hear the Cantate da Camera Il Lamento d’Olympia by Bononcini. ‘Actaeon’ is a hunting opera and a tragedy which was written by Marc Antoine Charpentier, based on the ancient Greek myth of Acaeon. It is an enduring highlight from the Baroque Period. This Baroque & Before Program closes with some anonymous gems which were handed down from 13th century France. There are many more early music works to enjoy in this Baroque & Before Program.

Ladies of Modern Jazz – 16 February

16 February at 12 Noon
For your Sunday lunch an hour of relaxing jazz from the ladies with Dave Anthony, with the gently enticing voice of UK’s Jo Harrop with an old favourite, from the U.S. West Coast a quiet take on an old gospel tune from pianist Lisa Hilton, a new voice from Perth Holli Scott …and more… Join Dave Anthony at 6 or listen after go to https://5mbs.com/listen-on- demand/ or download the app – https://communityradio.plus/ and go to “Jazz Encounters” in both places.

Discovery – 18 February

18 February at 8.00 PM
Ian Johnston introduces listeners to two wonderful ancient music rediscoveries. The violinist and composer, Jean-Joseph Mondonville, brought to the Chapelle Royale, in Paris, compositions with colour and dramatic qualities hitherto unknown. His ‘Grand Motet In extu Israel’ is a large scale dramatic work for soloists, chorus and orchestra. It is set to psalm 115 which tells of the flight from Egypt. It will be played by Marie Perbost, soprano Samuel Boden, countertenor La Concert d’Astree Emanuelle Haim, conductor The second musical offering in Discovery is the Oratorio, ‘Fiery Serpents in the Desert’ by Johann Adolf Hasse, The story concerns the Jews who have lost faith in Moses’ ability to leader them in the desert and how this temporary problem is solved. One of the highlights is the aria, ‘Caeli’ (Ye Heavens’) which goes on for twelve minutes. Probably most listeners would hope it would go on forever. This work is a- splendid rediscovery. Philippe Jaroussky, countertenor Bruno de Sa, male soprano Les Accents Thibaulty Noally, conductor

New in Jazz – 20 February

20 February at 6pm
Our final New in Jazz for February features a newly discovered set from guitarist, the late Emily Remler, expat New Zealand saxophonist Lex French now making a name for himself on the Canadian jazz scene, the ever-interesting drummer Ari Hoenig in trio format…and more…… Join Dave Anthony at 6 or listen after go to https://5mbs.com/listen-on- demand/ or download the app – https://communityradio.plus/ and go to “Jazz Encounters” in both places.

Cabaret Club – 22 February

22 February at 9pm
Our show tonight features pianist Bill Evans in trio format from a never before released concert on Kongsberg Norway from June 1970. Recorded at The Kongsberg Jazz Festival in June 1970, this 2 LP set features Bill Evans (1929 – 1980) leading a trio of bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell, both born in 1944, and both still active. Evans sounds relaxed and free-spirited here. Minus the high pressure of playing one of the world’s most prestigious festivals, like Montreux the week before, the pianist simply follows his whims. And you can hear this show any time after on 5 mbs.com “Listen on Demand” and it’s the first show listed under “Jazz and Blues

Sunday Night Concert – 23 February

23 February at 8.00 PM
Michael Owen begins with Brahms’ Serenade No 2 in A major Op 16 which is a sunny work with a pastoral flavour. It is sometimes referred to as a Symphonic Serenade. it concludes, in the final movement, as an expression of pure joy. You will enjoy it. It will be played by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Jacob Rosenhain is a little known composer who showed considerable promise during his lifetime. Composed in the 1840s the Piano Concerto in D minor Op 73 by Rosenhain features a beautiful, serene Andante. Howard Shelley, piano & conductor with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra play this work with great conviction. Next, the Halle Orchestra treats its listeners to the ‘Wasps Overture’ by Vaughan Williams and ‘The March of Spring’ from ‘North Country Sketches’ by Delius. Finally the Symphony No 5 in D by Vaughn Williams is played by the Halle Orchestra. This Symphony is gentle, melodic and uplifting. All things considered this program is a treasure trove of great works. Unmissable!

Nocturne – 24 February

24 February at 10.00 PM
Suzanne Pederson has planned an intriguing Nocturne program. It begins with the Suite from the incidental music which Sibelius was commissioned to write for Maurice Maeterlinck’s symbolist play, ‘Pelleas and Melissande’. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Neeme Jarvi. The Concertino in E flat for Winds and Strings in E flat Op 34 by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari is very enjoyable and, as always, with this composer, it is written with real craftsmanship. Next, the Brahms’ Violin Sonata No 1 in G major, Op 78 is a beautiful work. It will be played by Anne Sophie-Mutter, violin who is accompanied by Lambert Orkis, piano. Other composers include Muzio Clementi and Franz Schmidt. Don’t miss it!

Opera – 26 February

26 February at 8.00 PM
Glen Quick presents an interesting and unusual double-bill of two operas by Carl Orff: Die Kluge (‘The Wise Woman’) and Der Mond (‘The Moon’). As with Carmina Burana, Orff enjoyed the challenge of adapting works from unusual sources: Both operas are based on Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

Cantabile – 28 February

28 February at 10.00 AM
Yvonne Schwerdt begins with Gareth Koch, a founding member of the Australian Guitar Quartet, playing two pieces by J.S. Bach: Prelude in D minor BWV999 followed by the Bouree in E minor BWV996. An enticing performance of the Symphony No 98 in B flat major Hob 1:98 is one of Josef Haydn’s ‘London’ Symphonies. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is conducted by Nikolas Harnoncourt. Robert Schumann seems to have been more comfortable composing intimate chamber works than orchestral works. Written in 1842 Robert Schumann’s bold, dramatic Piano Quartet in E flat major Op 47 will be played by the Beaux Arts Trio with Samuel Rhodes, viola. Howard Shelley conducts the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra from the keyboard and dazzles the audience in a performance of the Piano Concerto in E flat major Op 89 by the little-known nineteenth century German-born English composer, Julius Benedict. Other composers include Louis Spohr and Bela Bartok. Stay tuned!

In The Spotlight – 10 February

Chamber Music – 10 February

Twenty-Twenty One – 13 February

Ladies of Modern Jazz – 16 February

Cantate Domino – 16 February

Baroque & Before – 16 February

Discovery – 18 February

New in Jazz – 20 February

Cabaret Club – 22 February

Sunday Night Concert – 23 February

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