Elodie Chousmer-Howelles (violin) and Stella Marie Lorenz (piano) will perform a varied programme of works by Beethoven, Coleridge-Taylor, and Amy Beach in this lunchtime recital.

One of Beethoven’s calmest violin sonatas, Sonata No. 6 in A major, is contrasted alongside the often neglected, tempestuous D minor violin sonata by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. The programme closes with one of Amy Beach’s most luscious compositions: her Romance for violin and piano.

The centrepiece of this programme is the Violin Sonata in D minor by mixed-race British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. During his lifetime he achieved much recognition, even hailed in the United States as ‘The Black Mahler’. However, after his death his name fell into obscurity. For many listeners this will be a wonderful introduction to his music, and to others already familiar with some of his more famous compositions, this may be a new discovery.

Another important element of this programme is the inclusion of a work by one America’s first most significant female classical composers. Amy Beach was a child prodigy who was discouraged from continuing her piano career upon marrying her husband. Living at a time when women’s voices were still largely suppressed, she became the first female composer to have her symphony published. The Romance is an incredibly fine example of her most lyrical and sensitive writing.

This programme should appeal to Beethoven fans but also to those with a romantic heart and an open curiosity to hear from under-represented composers.

Part of the Lunchtime Concert Series.

Presented in partnership with BlackFest.