SF Civic Chamber Music, January 24, 2026: Felix Mendelssohn - Konzertstücke Numbers 1 and 2.

Описание: Konzertstück No.1, Op.113 Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1897)
00:05 I. Allegro con fuoco
02:52 II. Andante
05:18 III. Presto

Konzertstück No.2, Op.114 Felix Mendelssohn
10:16 I. Presto
12:28 II. Andante
15:23 III. Allegretto grazioso

Chris Farrell, B-flat Clarinet, Basset Horn
Changyi Yvonne Liu, B-flat Clarinet, Basset Horn
Grace Chen, Piano

KONZERTSTÜCKE NO.1 AND NO.2
Felix Mendelssohn composed his two Konzertstücke (“concert pieces”) in 1832 and 1833 for the renowned father-and-son duo Heinrich and Carl Bärmann, celebrated for their mastery of the clarinet and basset horn. The works were born out of friendship and artistic admiration: originally scored for these instruments with piano, the works combine lyricism, wit, and brilliant interplay, reflecting Mendelssohn’s gift for elegant romantic expression.

According to Carl Bärmann’s memoirs, the first Konzertstück was born
from a playful culinary bargain. During a visit to Mendelssohn in Berlin, the Bärmanns were asked to prepare Mendelssohn’s favorite dish—sweet dumplings and cheese strudel. The Bärmanns agreed if Mendelssohn promised to write them a piece. Inspired by the convivial spirit, Mendelssohn drafted the first Konzertstück while the Bärmanns cooked, and they read through it that evening. Soon after, a second companion work followed.

The First Konzertstück in F minor, Op. 113, opens with a dramatic dialogue between soloists, unfolds into a lyrical middle section, and concludes with sparkling virtuosity. The Second Konzertstück in D minor, Op. 114 expands the form with greater emotional range, blending operatic warmth and dazzling brilliance. Together, these works capture Mendelssohn’s charm, craftsmanship, and a lighthearted glimpse of music born from friendship —and a plate of dumplings.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
We are excited to be able to perform the pieces with original instrumentations on B flat clarinet and basset horn. Chris and Yvonne have played together in small chamber music groups for years and met Grace (who also plays clarinet!) at a Chamber Musicians of Northern California workshop. When not playing music, you may find Chris writing on Substack, Yvonne working at Infusion Center, and Grace working in biotech business development