On Saturday evening, April 18, the Monterey Peninsula enjoyed an embarrassment of riches as concert patrons had to choose between the Chamber Music Society's presentation of the Da Capo Chamber Players, a Gershwin concert by Ensemble Monterey or a choral program by the Camerata Singers. Rather than flipping a coin, the closest within walking distance was the Da Capo Chamber Players, so I went, and am I glad I didn't miss it.
Consisting of Patricia Spencer, Flute, Jo-Ann Sternberg, clarinet, Eva Gruesser, violin, Andre Emelianoff, cello and Lisa Moore, piano, this group played a delightful program that covered every corner of the musical spectrum.
The evening's program began with the Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano by Bohuslav Martinu. The interesting first movement was full of vitality and good humor. It also proved to be an effective showcase for the artistry of Ms. Spencer, Mr. Emelianoff and Ms. Moore. After a lovely Adagio movement the last movement churned with a boisterous energy and made a powerful effect.
The following work, Mozart's Adagio and Allegro for Mechanical Clock, K.594, received a charming performance in an arrangement by the group's flutist, Patricia Spencer. More often heard in its keyboard form, this arrangement was a splendid realization and revealed many hidden subtleties and beauties.
The work that closed the first half of the program was Amazon I by Joan Tower, one of the founders of the Da Capo Chamber players. This was a highly dissonant piece, yet attractive and effective. Just before a beautiful cello solo Mr. Emelianoff broke a string and had to leave stage where Chamber Music Society President, Amy Anderson saved the day by giving him a pre-stretched string from her own cello. After this minor interruption Mr. Emelianoff finished his solo and the work after all its initial bombast ended quietly and serenely
After intermission flutist Patricia Spencer, clarinetist Jo-Ann Sternberg and cellist Emeliannoff played the Bach Trio Sonata, BWV 528 with a lovely sense of style. The concluding work on the program was the Brahms Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Op. 114. It was a truly lovely performance.
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