« Arnold Dreyblatt is giving you (nodal) excitations at Lampo | Mucca Pazza's Tiny Desk Runneth Over » |
Classical Mon Feb 09 2015
Pulling Strings: For Classical Music in Chicago, You Got a Guy - February 2015
Leave a seat open for Andrew.
Fifth House Ensemble: Verklärte Nacht
Arnold Schoenberg composed Verklärte Nachte (Transfigured Night) in the closing months of the 19th Century, a single-movement work inspired by Richard Dehmel's poem of the same title. Through the poem and music runs the theme of conflict, impending upheaval, and change. In its ever-deepening cross-media exploration, Fifth House expands Schoenberg's music and Dehmel's stark and beautiful language and adds experimental visuals by Chicago animator Buki Bodunrin. The program includes music by Kevin Puts and Guillaume Connesson. Tickets are $15-$25. Tuesday, February 17, 7pm. Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse.
Avalon String Quartet
The Avalons continue their residence at the Art Institute and season-long exploration of Brahms quartets with the foreboding Opus 51 in c minor. Brahms' lush writing for each instrument adds to the dense texture of the work, creating pulsating currents, dark harmonies, and a decidedly introspective mood. Alban Berg's modernist String Quartet, Opus 3 is paired with the Brahms, providing an angular and fragmented — though no less emotionally charged — counterpoint. Free with museum admission. Sunday, February 22, 2pm. Fullerton Hall, Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Spektral Quartet: Behind the Wallpaper with Julia Holter
The Spektral Quartet brings mezzo-soprano Julia Holter to town for the world premiere of Alex Temple's "Behind the Wallpaper," a work delving into gender identity, isolation, and the murky territory of otherness. SQ brings back Liza White's "Zin zin zin zin," along with Diego Schissi's "Astor de Pibe," and Stravinsky's "Concertino." Just for good measure, Holter will perform a set of her own. Tickets are $12. Thursday, February 26, 7pm, 9:30pm. Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave.
Programs, artists, and prices subject to change. Tickets subject to availability.
About the author: Elliot Mandel photographs classical concerts and you should hire him for your next show. He also writes reviews and plays cello.