TUESDAY, SEPT. 6, 2022 • 5 P.M.
The Ohio State University School of Music
Timashev Recital Hall
THE SINGLETON DUO
Lynn Singleton, piano
Edgar Singleton, cello
PROGRAM
Sonata in G minor
George Frederick Handel (1685–1759)
arr. August Lindner (1820–1878)
Grave
Allegro
Sarabande (Largo)
Allegro
Handel’s Sonata in G minor for cello and piano is one of three instrumental concert pieces arranged for cello and piano by German composer August Lindner (1820–1878). It has been recorded by numerous artists, including Jacquelyn du Pré and Zara Nelsova, who edited this edition. The Sarabande movement is particularly moving in its simplicity and grace.
Sonata No. 1 in G Major
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Adagio
Allegro ma non tanto
Andante
Allegro Moderato
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata No. 1 in G Major is the first of three sonatas known to cellists as the “Gamba Sonatas” as they were written originally for viol da gamba and harpsichord. There is little consensus on where or when these sonatas were composed, though they have been a favorite of cellists and pianists for decades. Like the Handel sonata, this work in four movements opens with an Adagio then alternates between the spirited and the serene.
Two Madrigals
Carlos Chavez (1921)
and Enrique Granados (1915)
The Renaissance madrigal was an unaccompanied polyphonic vocal work addressing secular themes, particularly romantic love. Composers of later “madrigals,” including those for instruments only, have attempted to capture the interplay between voices as well as the sense that the piece is truly being “sung” rather than played. That is the case with both of the madrigals on this program. While the first — by composer Carlos Chavez — is serene and introspective, that of Enrique Granados alternates between the wistful and the powerfully declarative.
Mexican composer and conductor Carlos Chavez (1899–1978) left a vast legacy of compositions, recordings, writing, and teaching. This short madrigal was composed early in his career. Later compositions, including his six symphonies, turned in part to both Mexican nationalist and indigenous sources.
The life of Enrique Granados (1867–1916) was cut short by the sinking of the S. S. Sussex by a German submarine in an incident that announced to the world that Germany would have no qualms about targeting civilian passenger ships in its war against France and Britain. Still, Granados left behind a significant collection of compositions, many of which turned to Spanish folk music (and dance) for their inspiration. Granados was a friend and mentor to cellist Pablo Casals, to whom this piece is dedicated.
Libertango
Astor Piazzola (1921–1992)
adapted by Joshua Parman
Libertango by Astor Piazzola has been arranged in many ways since its composition, and it has appeared in everything from movie scores to automobile ads. It came to the attention of lovers of both the cello and dance, however, through Yo-Yo Ma’s recording and video on the groundbreaking Soul of the Tango album. The piece begins with a steady and quick tango beat that does not relent as the cello sometimes floats above and sometimes joins the rhythm section.
About the Artists
The Singleton Duo has been making music together for more than 40 years, performing a significant amount of the standard repertoire for cello and piano as well as the new and unexpected.
Lynn Singleton is assistant professor of practice in the School of Music at The Ohio State University and maintains a private studio in Columbus. She received her Master of Music degree from Bowling Green State University. In addition to teaching and performing, Lynn is a Musician Wellness Specialist with certifications in Pilates and Yamuna Body Rolling and works with musicians and other performing artists to prevent and rehabilitate injuries.
Edgar Singleton currently serves as principal cello of the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra. He received his Master of Music degree from Bowling Green State University, where he studied with Peter Howard, Anne Fagerberg and Alan Smith. He later studied with Robert Jamieson of the Minnesota Orchestra. Edgar also holds a PhD in English from The Ohio State University. Formerly the Grants Manager of The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Edgar retired in 2021 from the position of Director of Ohio State’s First-Year Writing Program.
The cello used in today’s performance was built in 1998 by Edgar’s late father, also Edgar Singleton, of Sylvania, Ohio.
Join us…
School of Music performances are free, except for a few premium events. Many performances will be livestreamed.