Je m’agite et je cours - Sonates van Chopin, Bosmans & Strohl
Romantics, Rebels, and Rita: an afternoon recital featuring sonatas by Chopin, Bosmans and Strohl performed by cellist Anna Litvinenko and pianist Danilo Mascetti
Anna Litvinenko and Danilo Mascetti are a dynamic duo that play with spontaneity, virtuosity and nuanced finesse. Their work is driven by the combination of their intellectual curiosity and artistic creativity, making every performance unique and intimate. Having a shared passion for both modern and early repertoires, their programs often place works of composers like Auerbach and Jolivet with those of Beethoven and Mendelssohn, which generate a gripping dialogue between the centuries. Both their playing is strongly influenced by 18th and 19th performance practices, adding layers of richness and complexity to their interpretations.
On Sunday 9th of November, Anna and Danilo will give us a taste of their exploratory spirit in their interpretation of Fryderyk Chopin’s Sonata for cello and piano (1846-1847), Henriëtte Bosmans’ Sonata for piano and cello (1919), and Rita Strohl’s Lento Tristamente of her Sonate Dramatique “Titus et Bérénice” (1892). While their interpretations are influenced by their research into 19th and early 20th century performance practices—providing important historical and cultural context—their personal mark undoubtedly always comes through.
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Chopin’s Sonata for cello and piano stands as one of his rare gems of chamber music, and also one of his final major works. Composed during an emotionally challenging period in his life, the sonata was completed with the help of his close friend, cellist Auguste Franchomme—who also premiered the work with him. In contrast, Henriëtte Bosmans’ legacy left cellists with a number of substantial compositions, including her Sonata for cello and piano (1919). Her fondness for the cello might have been influenced by the absence of her father—a distinguished cellist who passed away shortly after her birth—or her close relationship with cellists Frieda Belinfante and Marix Loevensohn. Bosmans’ sonata, with its soaring melodies and pronounced character, in combination with Chopin’s drama and emotional depth truly create an atmosphere where unexpected magic occurs.
Linking these two works, written seventy years apart, this program also includes the Lento from Rita Strohl’s Sonate Dramatique “Titus et Bérénice” (1892), a rare case of programatic music for cello and piano based on Jean Racine’s tragedy Bérénice (1670). This movement of the quasi symphonic poem presents the lament of Bérénice, as she woes Titus’ decision to sacrifice their love for the sake his empire: “Je m’agite, je cours, languissante, abattue/ La force m’abandonne, et le repos me tue.” (Racine)
Anna Litvinenko, cello
Danilo Mascetti, piano
