The unique timbre of the viola—rich, dark, and soulful—has made it the instrument of choice for composers seeking to add even more luscious beauty to chamber ensembles. Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents a one-of-a-kind program that includes a pair of violas in every work, from Vaughan Williams’ haunting Phantasy Quintet to violist-composer Brett Dean’s gripping lament, to Mozart’s joyful and uplifting C-major quintet, one of six composed that truly put the viola quintet on the chamber music map.
Stella Chen, violin
Alexander Sitkovetsky, violin
Paul Neubauer, viola
Matthew Lipman, viola
Jonathan Swenson, cello
Beethoven: Fugue in D major, Op. 137
Vaughan Williams:
Phantasy Quintet
Bowen: Two Duos in G major for Two Violas
Brett Dean:
Epitaphs
Mozart: String Quintet No. 3 in C major, K. 515