It’s only their second season, but the Willy Street Chamber Players have established themselves as a lively part of Madison’s summer culture.
The opening concert, on Friday July 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church on the east side, was up to the ensemble’s best standards. The first piece was an arrangement, by Beth Larson, the group’s violist, of the Intermezzo from Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana. Scored for a sextet of three violins, viola and two cellos, it captured the feeling of the piece even without the fullness of an orchestra.
Next came a work for string quartet, “Entr’acte,” by the young American composer Caroline Shaw. Taking inspiration from Haydn, it explores new possibilities of quartet texture and part writing — some intriguing, some less successful. But it would be interesting to hear more of her work.
The big event was one of my favorite chamber works, the energetic sextet by Tchaikovsky called Souvenir de Florence. It was sketched during a visit to Florence and completed by the composer when he returned to Russia. It is less an evocation of the famous Italian city and more of a suggestion of the composer’s homesickness. It is a marvel containing beautiful melodies.
As she did last year, experienced and omnipresent violinist Suzanne Beia served as mentor, playing the first violin part with great flair. As a whole, the six players delivered brilliant and satisfying performances.
The ensemble will continue its format of shortened programs (a little over an hour) and at unconventional times, usually on Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1021 Spaight Street).
The next concert, on the evening of July 15, will include a Fantasie for violin and piano by Schubert, and another string sextet, Schönberg’s “Transfigured Night.” The ensemble performs at noon on July 22, playing music by Beethoven, Glass and Shostakovich. On that same evening, the ensemble will be at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for a special presentation of George Crumb’s avant-garde work, The Black Angel, accompanied by video art created by Helen Hawley.
The final concert, on July 29, includes a concerto grosso by Corelli, Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet and Georges Enescu’s Octet.
In addition to the excellent core ensemble members, the group has invited an impressive roster of guest musicians to join them throughout the remaining concerts.
July is a busy month for music and culture, but the Willy Street Chamber Players should not be overlooked.