Concert 4

Program Notes

Mozart composed the Clarinet Quintet, K. 581, among the first major chamber works for the clarinet, in 1789 for clarinetist Anton Stadler (1753–1812), one of the first true virtuosos of this newer instrument. Of special interest is the third movement minuet featuring two trio sections, the first a highly expressive episode for strings and the second a pleasing episode for the clarinet, drawing upon mixtures of rustic elegance. 

Borodin composed the String Quartet No. 2 in 1881, dedicated to his wife as a 20th anniversary present. The third movement Nocturne is perhaps the most famous section. Borodin, who is perhaps best known for the Polovtsian Dances, created a chamber music gem that speaks eloquently of the passions inherent in the Romantic-era sounds from Russia.

Roger Chase, Guest Violist

Roger Chase has performed as guest principal violist with most of the major British orchestras and many others in North America and Europe. The current owner of the 1717 Montagnana viola, he has recorded for EMI, Virgin and Hyperion and taught at the Royal College of Music, Guildhall, Oberlin College and currently Roosevelt University in Chicago.