The finale (Allegretto: term con varumoni) introduces a theme and six

variations that undergo a variety ofmood shifts, culminating in a cheerful

examination ofthe melody’s character.

The clarinet had a similar inspirational effect on Carl Maria vonWeber,

who is known primarily as an operatic composer. It was during a stopover

in Munich on a concert tour that Weber met Heinrich Baermann,

principal clarinetist ofthe Munich Orchestra. Excited about Baermann’s

instrument, Weber composed the Quintet in B-flat Major for Clarinet and

String, his onlychamberworkdestined to remain in themodem repertoire. 

The quintet is characterized by its virtuosity and its treatment of the

ensemble as a clarinet concerto with string accompaniment. The first

movement (Allegro) isin sonataform,withvirtuosic elementsin itsthemes

that are meant to highlight the clarinet. The second movement (Fantasia:

Adagiomanontroppo) provides thevehicle bywhich the mellifluoustone of

the clarinet can be amply demonstrated, while at the same time allowing

the clarinetist to illustrate the art of eloquent phrasing. The Menuetto is

rhythmically unique and syncopated, with a trio that is reflective and

legato. The finale {Rondo: Allegro giocoso), bright and joyous, concludes

the work brilliantly, as the clarinet, in perfect balance with the strings,

proves to be an ideal collaborator.

Program notes by Elizabeth Haeberle

The use ofcameras or recording equipment

during theperformance is not allowed.

Forthe convenience ofconcertgoers

the Garden Cafe remains open until 6:30p.m.

The Fifty-eighth Season of

THE WILLIAM NELSON CROMWELL and

F. LAMMOT BELIN CONCERTS

National Gallery ofArt

2323rd Concert

MANHATTAN STRING QUARTET

Eric Lewis, violin Galvin Wiersma, violin

John Dexter, viola Chris Finckel, cello

with

Jon Manasse, clarinet

Sunday Evening, 14 November 1999

Seven O’clock

West Building, West Garden Court

Admissionfree
PROGRAM

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Quintet in A Major

(1756-1791) for Clarinet and Strings

K. 581 (1789)

Allegro

Larghetto

Menuetto

Tema con variazioni: Allegretto

INTERMISSION

Carl Maria von Weber

(1786-1826)

Quintet in B-flat Major

for Clarinet and Strings

Op. 34(1815)

Allegro

Fantasia: Adagio ma non troppo

Menuetto: Capriccio presto

Rondo: Allegro giocoso

Now in its twenty-eighth consecutive season, the Manhattan String

Quartet has attained international recognition as one of America’s leading 

chamber ensembles, having appeared throughout the United States,

Mexico, Canada, Europe, and SouthAmerica. The ensemble is especially

renowned as a foremost interpreterofthe fifteen string quartets ofDmitri

Shostakovich. Recent performances of this cycle occurred in New York

City for the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts’ Great Performers

series, at HunterCollege in Troy, NewYork, and at Eastern andWestern

Connecticut State Universities. The Manhattan String Quartet has also

held residency at Colgate University, the Manhattan School of Music, 

Cornell University, the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico, and

Michigan’s Interlochen National Music Camp. The quartet has released 

a number of compact discs, receiving critical acclaim for its brilliant

understanding and execution ofchamber ensemble works.

American clarinetist Jon Manasse is one ofthe most notable classical

clarinetists of his generation. Principal clarinetist of both the New York

ChamberSymphonyand theAmericanBalletTheaterOrchestra, Manasse 

is well known for his charismatic performances and unique artistry. He is

a graduate of the Juilliard School ofMusic and was the youngest winner

of the International Clarinet Society Competition. Manasse’s recent

solo appearances include concerts in New York City at Lincoln Center’s

AliceTully Hall, HunterCollege’s Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse, and

Columbia University. In addition, Manasse has performed with the New

YorkSymphonic Ensemble inJapan and SouthernAsia. He has been guest

principal clarinetist with the New York Pops Orchestra, the New Jersey

and Seattle Symphony Orchestras, and guest clarinetist with the New

York Philharmonic. Four critically acclaimed compact discs by Manasse

can be found on theXLNTlabel.Jon Manasse and the Manhattan String

Quartet appear at the National Gallery by arrangement with Parker

Artists of NewYork City.

Mozart was at the court ofthe elector of Mannheim when he was first

inspired by the quality ofsound of the clarinet. His interest peaked in

Vienna, where he met Anton Stadler, principal clarinetist of the court

orchestra, who explained to him the abilities and limitations of the

instrument. Upon completing his QuintetinAMajorforClarinetandStrings

in September 1789, Mozart dedicated the work to Stadler. The work

later became known as the StadlerQuintet. The first movement (Allegretto)

examinesthe agility ofthe clarinet while establishing several themes.The

second movement (Largjietto) presents the second theme in an arioso

for the clarinet, then adds contrast in a duet with the first violin. The

third movement (Menuetto) varies from the usual dance movement with

an additional trio that demonstrates the rustic qualities of the clarinet.