Should Mother Hubbard have tried harder?

You never know what you’ll find when you clean out the cupboards.  When one of Julius Röntgen‘s relatives found five unfamiliar songs in another relative’s cabinet in 2004, he inadvertently unearthed an elusive and surprising cycle that both serves as an homage to Brahms and reaffirms the technique and vision of the lesser-known German-Dutch composer himself.  Scored for voice, viola and piano, the cycle of five songs was written in 1926, and in Monday evening’s concert, the selected pieces are well-matched both to the Frank Bridge songs that follow (for voice and viola), and for the performers who take on this program.

Cynthia Phelps is the principal violist for the New York Philharmonic, but rose to fame in the 1980s and 90s by winning every viola competition in the world.  Mezzo-soprano  Diana Tash is well-known to SoCal audiences for her beautiful tone and musical flair.  Armen Guzelimian is recognized among professional vocalists as one of the finest pianists who regularly works with singers (and he’s good with other instruments, too).  The trio performs this coming Monday night in Malibu, at the home of Maria Newman, highly respected composer and daughter of film composer Alfred Newman.  Known as MAHMA, the Montgomery Art House for Music and Architecture is making waves with smart concerts and fine musicians, unusual pairings and some events matched with screenings of vintage films.  It’s a good place to be.

Montgomery Art House for Music and Architecture
6307 Busch Drive
Malibu, CA. 90265