BETTER THAN BEETHOVEN, Sunday, August 3, Dow Pavilion, Franconia at Dow Field – Franconia, NH

Sponsored by George M. Stevens & Son Insurance and Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank

Ludwig von BEETHOVEN Piano Trio No. 1 in Eb and Louis SPOHR Grand Nonet in F

Though they were not close friends, Beethoven and Louis Spohr had a relationship marked by mutual respect and professional interaction. Spohr admired Beethoven’s early works and championed pieces like the Op. 18 String Quartets. During their lifetimes, many considered Spohr to be Beethoven’s equal, if not his superior. Spohr eventually became critical of Beethoven’s late works, especially the Ninth Symphony and the late string quartets, finding them overly complex. He was not alone in his critiques but, 200 years later, conventional wisdom has decided otherwise.

The North Country Chamber Players have adopted a “Pay-What-You-Wish” ticket pricing for concerts. Seating is limited, so attendees are asked to make free online reservations. The recommended ticket price is $25, payable at the door, but there is no minimum ticket price required for entry.

BETTER THAN BEETHOVEN

Susan Nidel, flute

Gabriela Diaz, violin

Kemp Jernigan, oboe

Ronnie Bauch, violin

Yasmina Spiegelberg, clarinet

Ah Ling Neu, viola

Taylor Smith, bassoon

Chris Finckel, violoncello

Bernhard Scully, horn

Donald Palma, double bass

Reiko Uchida, piano

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Trio in Eb Major, Op.1, No.1

(1770-1827)

Allegro

Adagio cantabile

Scherzo: Allegro assai

Finale: Presto

Louis Spohr Grand Nonetto in F Major, Op. 31

(1784-1859)

Allegro

Scherzo: Allegro

Adagio

Finale: Vivace