The Piano Trio in d minor, Opus 49 by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy will be performed on the Bach’s Lunch/Wednesdays at Noon Advent Recital Series at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon on Dec. 12 at noon.

Area musicians John Malloy, violin; Kathleen Foster, cello; and Kymric Mahnke, piano, will perform.

This piece of music, from the time of its unveiling, has been acknowledged as one of classical music’s greatest masterpieces.

Robert Schumann, a music critic as well as composer, proclaimed the work “the great trio of our time,” a work that “reconciled the contradictions of the period.” While Schumann did not explain the latter comment, he was probably referring to Mendelssohn’s ability to infuse the classical musical forms of his predecessors, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, with the romantic fire and harmonic color that was the hallmark of 19th century romanticism.

Indeed, this work, through the agitated opening movement, a contrasting tranquil andante, the elfin scherzo, and final weighty allegro, exudes a sophistication and polish that is unmatched.

These 30-minute Advent recitals are free, and all are invited to attend.

A box lunch will be available for purchase. For more information, call the Holy Cross Episcopal Church office at 828-859-9741. The church is located at 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon.

Next week’s Bach’s Lunch/Wednesdays at Noon Advent Recital:
Dec. 19 – Wanda May, soprano; and Jeanette Shackelford, piano.

– article submitted by Wanda May