David Finckel and Wu Han

VIDEO CHAMBER MUSIC FROM LINCOLN CENTER IN GREEN'S BROADCAST

Along with hosting its resident the Santa Rosa Symphony, Weill Hall has contracted to produce sporadic virtual programs of classical music, and began Oct. 17 with a charming three-part concert from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York.

Hosted with comely introductions by CMSLC directors Wu Han and David Finckel, the virtual program on the Green Music Center’s website began with a rarity, Geminiani’s C Major Sonata for Two Cellos and continuo. Underneath the lid of the bright red decorated harpsichord were inscribed the words “To Wake the Soul By Tender Strokes of Art,” and the performance surely had introspection, with cellist Timothy Eddy’s consummate artistry leading in each movement. The lively second movement (Allegro) was reminiscent of Bach’s dances, and the following lament was a highlight of lovely Baroque phrasing. It was originally filmed late in 2014.

Haydn’s F Major Quartet completed the first half in an often-jocular reading by the Orion String Quartet. Every bit of the Op. 50 music, composed in 1787 and filmed in 2017, was a happy journey through Haydn’s virtuosity. The sobriquet “The Dream” has been added to this Quartet, and happiness seemed to prevail throughout. The slow movement (La Réve) was played with a child-like simplicity, and was captivating.

The video format allowed stopping to return to particularly ravishing sections of the Orion’s playing, a listener’s gift alas not available in the usual Weill concert.

Copland’s original version of the Appalachian Spring Ballet Suite closed the program, in the original 1944 version for a 13-musician ensemble. So much was familiar here, and the excellent camera work at the October 2019 filming portrayed each musician in close ups, the concentration palpable. Taking nearly 26 minutes, the subtle variations of the composer’s popular ballet score (and arguably his most popular composition) were deftly performed. Cellist Mr. Finckel joined the ensemble, with outstanding playing from Paul Neubauer (viola), double bassist Anthony Manzo, Ransom Wilson (flute) and clarinetist David Shifrin.

The three video performances from disparate dates proved to be seamless throughout, and the Green will announce additional CMSLC events over the 2020-2021 season.