This episode features an engaging program performed by violinist Tomoko Iguchi and pianist Karen Savage, a Juilliard-trained musician known for her clarity, balance, and attention to detail. The duo begins with Maurice Ravel’s Violin Sonata No. 2, a work that sets clean, modern French writing against the rhythmic influence of American blues. Their interpretation highlights the playful character of the second movement and the shimmering textures of the finale.
Next are Bela Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances, presented in their lively arrangement for violin and piano. Each dance moves through a distinct mood, from lyrical lines to quick, percussive gestures, giving both performers a chance to show rhythmic drive and colorful articulation.
The program closes with Johannes Brahms’s Sonata for Viola and Piano, played here in the warm viola version. Its broad phrases and deep harmonic writing offer a contrast to the brightness of the earlier works, and the duo brings out the calm, reflective nature of the sonata.
Classics Live brings you exclusive performances from throughout the KPR listening area. Our microphones travel to the Sunflower Music Festival, the Lied Center, the Ruel Joyce Recital series, the Great Spaces Music and Arts series, as well as performances recorded in Kansas Public Radio's live studio. Performers include the Emerson String Quartet, the Zoco Duo, Ensemble Iberica, and members of the Kansas City Symphony, among others. The series producer is KPR's Cordelia Brown, with recording engineer Chuck Smith. Darrell Brogdon hosts the program.
Thursdays at 7 p.m.