MUSIC

Primary Source is a chamber music concert series at the Goethe-Institut in Boston, and has been described as “pure delight” and “spine-tingling” by Lloyd Schwartz of the Boston Phoenix. Each concert is built around rare artifacts or manuscripts or original editions of a particular work or works, supplied by Schubertiade Music, antiquarian music and manuscript dealer based in Boston. Our concerts begin with a short talk about the concert theme and artifacts on display and then the performers will use the original manuscript or editions involved to perform. In every concert, some early printed or manuscript edition or program or ephemera has guided the programming of the work or works to be performed. The series seeks to create a new type of dialogue around great music, placing it in conversation with musical artifacts and their historical contexts. Rare items like the ones on display at these concerts are usually destined for the vaults of libraries and museums. Primary Source performances offer Boston’s listeners a chance to experience music and music history together in an intimate setting. This program will feature the music of Johannes Brahms, and is built around a recently rediscovered manuscript of poems written out and sent by Brahms to his beloved Clara Schumann for "her understanding and enjoyment" of the Piano Sonatas Op. 2 and Op. 5. Selections from these sonatas will be performed, as well as the Sonata in G Major, Op. 78 for Violin and Piano and the Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. Pianist Tanya Blaich is joined by Gabriela Diaz, Gabriel Boyers, Jesse Holstein and Jacques Wood. The Brahms manuscript, as well as related original photographs, letters, and first editions of the music to be performed will be on display and discussed in a short talk at the start of the performance. Goethe-Institut Boston 170 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02116 Admission: $25/$10 (students)