A Springtime Romance

The Hourglass Ensemble makes chamber music accessible and engaging by connecting with audiences and explaining the context, meaning, and narrative of each work. This concert is named for the sweetness and intensity of the works, two of which are masterpieces of the late “Romantic” era, the end of the nineteenth century.

The full program celebrates the drama and lyricism of Brahms at the end of his composing career, with his stormy trio for clarinet, cello, and piano. Also featured is a sparkling, fun, and energetic trio for flute, cello, and piano by opera composer Weber. Rounding out the repertoire are two trios by Australian pianist-composers, Sydney’s Kristofer Spike, and the iconic virtuoso Miriam Hyde. Spike’s Papillons evokes the dancing of butterflies in the dawn bush light, while Hyde’s is one of her most playful and energizing chamber works.