The School of Music’s MUsic Mondays presents the third lecture of the fall series at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at the Cellar Door, 905 3rd Ave., Huntington. The fall series, titled “Music and Ways of Telling,” investigates how the composer conveys meaning to the listener.
The lecture, “A Conversation Among Friends: Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor,” will explore the social aspects of domestic music making in the early 19th century and of the music written specifically for that activity. Lead presenter Dr. Vicki Stroeher, professor of music history at Marshall University, said that Beethoven’s works for the home are among the best of the works for this purpose.
“Beethoven was often called upon to perform at private homes himself, so he was intimately acquainted with the various and potential relationships that musicians form as they perform together,” Stroeher said. “Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor, written for piano, violin, and cello, constantly moves through various alliances among the three musicians, and we essentially overhear the conversation that arises. But, this conversation also extends far beyond the notes of this work. Beethoven makes reference to other works for home use and compositions that use the same key of C minor and then uses those connections to give this work a far deeper meaning.”
On Dec. 19, the series will present Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and its use of England’s musical past.
Seating is limited. Participants are invited to arrive early to enjoy conversation and refreshments, and facilitators are requesting a $10 donation, payable at the door. Checks should be made payable to Marshall University. All proceeds will go to support the music program. Marshall students get in free with a Marshall ID.
For more information about MUsic Mondays, call the School of Music at 304-696-3117.