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A classical trio returns to Invermere this Friday ‘In Beethoven’s Shadow.’
La Cafamore tours the Kootenays featuring works of the great master and those who were influenced by him. To be clear, his influence musically was so massive that virtually any composer after his time would be in the shadow of his greatness.
“Any composer, and most classical musicians,” says violinist Carolyn Cameron. “In fact, every member of this group can trace themselves back to Beethoven through their piano teachers.”
That would include Angela Snyder, who will be on viola during this concert but also excels in violin and piano, and pianist Hendrik Mendes.
“It is a favourite pastime of piano pedagogues to link themselves to Beethoven through their piano teachers, as he was not only a performer and composer, but also a prolific teacher,” says Cameron.
Even Beethoven sought the guidance of his day’s greatest musicians, moving to Vienna to study with Mozart. Beethoven’s “Archduke trio” proved to be a bittersweet event in his life, as the performance of this piece was his last as a pianist. His deafness had gotten to a point where it became near impossible to do any ensemble work.
Originally written for violin, piano and cello, La Cafamore will delegate the cello part of the “Archduke” to viola. This is not an uncommon practice for groups where a cellist is not available, and the viola lends itself to the part as many piano trios take advantage of the cello’s upper range which fits nicely into the viola range.
A piece written specifically for piano, violin and viola is German composer Ignaz Lachner’s Trio #4. Why he chose the viola over the standard cello part is anyone’s guess but thank goodness he did as his works for this combination is some of the best in the classical music repertoire. Lachner himself was one of three composer brothers and a virtuoso violinist. He was heavily influenced by Schubert who was a contemporary, and also Beethoven who died when Ignaz was 20.
Rounding out the program, an excerpt from the work “Suite en Trio” by Mel Bonis, a female French composer.
“You may ask how a female French composer would be in Beethoven’s shadow, to which I would say the same way that a Canadian classical musician living in the Kootenays is in his shadow. It was a huge shadow, okay?” Cameron laughs.
Written originally for violin, flute and piano, “Suite en Trio” will be adapted for La Cafamore’s current configuration. “There are so many great works by women composers and I feel that they do not have the exposure that they deserve,” says Cameron.
Mel Bonis certainly experienced sexism and judgment of her work based on her gender, so much so that she signed her work “Mel” to avoid the prejudice that her given name Melanie would bring.
La Cafamore takes their tour to the communities of Kimberley, Fernie, Invermere and Trail. “Invermere and Christ Church Trinity have always been a highlight of our tours,” says Cameron. “The church provides an amazing venue with a spectacular piano, and we have a dedicated audience who have seen this group in many configurations over the years.”
La Cafamore will be at the church on September 6 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 with advance tickets at Inspire Flowers or at the door. The concert is free for children 12 and under.
