As its name still implies, the piano was originally designed to play softly—an expressive instrument ideal for accompanying just a few others in intimate settings. This program, featuring concertmaster Manami Mizumoto, highlights the fortepiano’s early role in chamber music through sonatas and variations that reveal its dynamic subtlety and close dialogue with the violin.

Program

Josef Antonín Štěpán

Sonata for Violin and Fortepiano in Bb Major
Variations for Violin and Fortepiano in Eb Major

Wolfgang Amadé Mozart

Sonata for Fortepiano and Obbligato Violin in Bb Major, K. 454

Performers

Manami Mizumoto violin
Mario Aschauer fortepiano