Beethoven Features in Next Putney Knitting Concert

The 'Kreutzer' Sonata for violin and piano to be performed

After one epic Beethoven masterpiece last month it is time for another, the 'Kreutzer' Sonata for violin and piano. This, the most demanding and virtuoso of the Beethoven violin sonatas, was inspired by Beethoven's meeting with the West Indian/Polish violinist George Bridgetower. It will be performed on 10 April.

After a hair-raising first performance, where Bridgetower had to sight-read most of the violin part looking over Beethoven's shoulder, Beethoven was so thrilled with Bridgetower that he dedicated the work to him and the two men went out drinking. In their cups Bridgetower made a deprecating remark about a woman who Beethoven was fond of.

Daniel Pioro (violin) Kathron Sturrock (piano)

Beethoven was furious and removed Bridgetower's name from the dedication. Bridgetower eked out the rest of his career in London and is buried in a cemetery in Kensal Rise, largely remembered as the man who lost the dedication. Later Beethoven dedicated the sonata to the famous contemporary violinist Rudolphe Kreutzer who took one look at it, declared it not worth the effort, and never played it.

To perform this piece it is a great thrill to welcome back the pianist Kathron Sturrock who has played at several concerts in the last few years. A very experienced chamber musician Kathron is founder member of The Fibonacci Sequence, a London-based chamber ensemble that has received very high critical acclaim. She is joined by the violinist Daniel Pioro, leader of The Fibonacci Sequence, keen exponent of contemporary works, improvisation, dance and story-telling as well as being a very accomplished violinist.

As ever the concert is free with complimentary wine and soft drinks and you are invited to bring something (not too noisy!) to do whilst you listen if you want to. A polite request here, based on audience feedback in recent concerts: if you are intending to use a phone or a tablet during the concert could you choose a seat in one of the side aisles, as the light from the screen can be distracting to members of the audience sitting beside or behind you. Many thanks.

The proceeds from the retiring collection will go to Médecins Sans Frontières, the internationally famous healthcare charity that sends medics into emergency situations. You can find out what MSF are involved with at the moment through their website: www.msf.org.uk

Those of you who heard a fabulous performance of Beethoven's Op.131 String Quartet at the March concert might like to know that £500 was donated to Starlight. Many thanks for your generosity.

The May concert will be on May 7th when Alison Hunka will mobilising an entire orchestra for a Mozart concert; programme to include the G major Piano Concerto, K.453 and the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola, K.364.