Après Paris, le travail

Après Paris, le travail

After Paris, it’s work. Yes, but…

On our last day in Paris we heard a chamber music concert in the Theatre Champs Elysées, an art deco gem.

Ceiling of the Theatre Champs Elysées.

The musicians played in front of a gold curtain (photos weren’t permitted of the players).

I was gaga for the upstairs doors.

We heard the French Quatuor Modigliani joined by violist Marie Chilemme and cellist Antoine Lederlin. I provide these details not because the musicians are familiar to American audiences, but because they played magnificently.

The first piece we heard was Mozart’s G Minor Viola Quintet, K. 516, so-called because there is an extra viola, forming a less common ensemble than a string quartet (two violins, a viola, and cello). I never performed this piece in my viola playing days, but I have sight-read it many times. Parts of it are so grave that it sounds like Mozart knew his life would be foreshortened. Other parts are filled with light and humor. It’s a beautiful piece, made richer by the dark tonalities of two violas.

The second piece was Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, a lush string sextet (viola and cello added to the usual string quartet). It’s a bear to tackle ensemble-wise, and is replete with gorgeous, singable melodies.

I now find myself at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts’ residency in Auvillar, a tiny town in southwest France, picture perfect and welcoming. I’m revising what I hope will be my third novel. I have a long way to go!

My writing studio.

Auvillar on the Garonne River.

I am here with three visual artists, an incredible treat. I am fascinated by their different ways of thinking and find them delightful and inspiring.

Residence and studio buildings at VCCA France.

The Washington Post just published my book review of Jeremy Eichler’s stunning and important new book on music and the Holocaust and memory, TIMES ECHO. I feel this is a major contribution to how we think about music and history. If you can’t get behind the paywall at the Post, please get in touch and I’ll try to send my review to you another way.

Sending hugs and good wishes,

Martha

P.S. ICYMI, here’s last week’s post “I love Paris in September”