Friendly Giants

On Sunday, I was at Gallery 345 for a mid-afternoon concert with violinist Leslie Ting, cellist Lydia Munchinsky, and pianist Kathryn Tremills. It was called Friends Before Facebook, and although that might have described these musicians, it was specifically about the relationships between the Schumanns (Robert and Clara) and Johannes Brahms. Actually, it could also describe the Schumanns who seemed to have bonded over a tremendous love of music.

Between various pieces by all 3 composers, the musicians also took turns describing some of the personal events in the composers' lives, especially if they had an influence on a piece. As it was also a relaxed performance, many in the audience also brought their young children. Unsurprisingly, almost none sat to listen. They mostly played in the back while running up to the parents now and then. Yet they were actually quite quiet even so. I've been to shows in bars that were not nearly as considerate with concert-goers who seemed to not know what "inside voice" was.