Pinchas Zukerman Trio Revives the Timeless Magic of Bedrich Smetana

Chamber Music Sedona concluded its season at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on April 13 with a stellar performance featuring renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman. He was joined by cellist Amanda Forsyth and pianist Shai Wosner, all coming off recent engagements in cities like Berlin and Geneva. The trio showcased a selection of classical works, including pieces by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Johannes Brahms, and Bedrich Smetana.

Local resident Emily Naaktgeboren assisted Wosner by turning pages, adding a personal touch to the performance. The chemistry among the trio was palpable; as Forsyth joked about her role, Zukerman humorously quipped about his plans to head to the bar.

The performance opened with Rachmaninoff’s single-movement piece, which began with a vibrant string interplay. Zukerman and Forsyth’s effortless playing highlighted the intricate relationship between violin and cello. The music evoked a cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s noir, with emotional depth that captivated the audience.

Following the Rachmaninoff, Brahms’s Trio No. 2, Op. 87, exhibited a more free-form structure. The musicians navigated the complex themes, engaging in a dialogue marked by moments of unison and rich harmonies. The shifting moods—from wistfulness to energetic vibrance—were masterfully executed, revealing the intricacies of Brahms’s composition.

After intermission, the group presented Smetana’s G minor trio, a less frequently performed yet compelling work. Zukerman’s poignant violin solo opened the piece, leading to a lively theme that juxtaposed urban and pastoral elements. This contrasting interplay showcased the performers’ skill, particularly Forsyth’s dynamic chord work and Zukerman’s combination of power and finesse.

The performance concluded with an energetic finale, where the trio seamlessly wove together themes, leaving the audience with a sense of resolution. As the local music season approaches its end, audiences can look forward to upcoming performances from Piano on the Rocks and the Sedona Symphony.

What Six Degrees of Separation?

Pinchas Zukerman’s connection to legendary violinist Ivan Galamian hints at the intertwined histories of classical music. Galamian not only taught Zukerman but also mentored Mehli Mehta, founder of the Bombay Symphony and father to conductor Zubin Mehta. This lineage underscores the enduring legacy of musical education and collaboration, exemplified in the recent Chamber Music Sedona concert featuring classic works like Schubert’s Trout Quintet.