June 20, 2012

Barge Music

Here and Now series

TwoSense: Ashley Bathgate, cello and Lisa Moore, piano with guest artists Karen Bentley-Pollick, violin and Courtney Orlando, violin. Barge Music’s setting is as wonderful as the music was this night. The River Cafe’s verdant park is across the way as it the Brooklyn Ice Cream Shop (not to be missed). The Barge rolls slightly but not enough to make one sick.  A night of great music, wonderful performers with many interesting and fun folks in attendance (I love NY).  Ashley is the cellist for the Bang on a Can All-Stars and Lisa is a way-prominent pianist here in NY.  I heard this twosome at BoaC Marathon and was wise to go hear them again. Janacek’s “Pohadka (Fairytale) composed in 1923 was first followed by Martin Bresnick’s fabulous “Prayers Remain Forever” (2011) written for TwoSense and which takes its inspiration from an Israeli poem. After intermission we were treated to the world premiere of Sam Adam’s (John’s son) “Piano Trio” (2011) performed by TwoSense and Karen Bentley-Pollick, violin. Sam introduced the piece saying that this was an experiment for him, using older formal archtypes and how his musical language fit with his studies with Bresnick. His dad must be very proud.  Bresnick then introduced his composition, “Piano Trio” (1988) for TwoSense and Courtney Orlando, violin. The second movement was  inspired by the kids game, Cats Cradle, and we could hear this as he used lots of strings played pizzicato. There was a brilliant written and performed piano solo section. It was beautiful and caused me to buy his CD so I can hear more of his music.