Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
This Sunday evening a variety of flutists, violinists, cellists, and other musicians will serenade students in the Lang Concert Hall as part of the Fetter Chamber Music Concert. This performance promises to be especially worthwhile; the range of music spans Haydn and Schumann up to Shostakovich, bridging periods as well as places.
The Fetter Chamber Music Program provides students with an opportunity to examine and play pieces comprehensively, ensconced in a serious, cooperative setting. Originally created to support string quartets, only in 2001 was it expanded to support various combos. For example, this year’s concert includes a flute quartet playing an Anton Reicha piece, as well as a clarinet and piano duo performing a Robert Schumann composition, very different from standard strings fare.
Micaela Baranello, the aforementioned clarinetist, mentioned in a recent interview that “We’ve studied the piece in-depth and I hope we can convey that to the audience successfully.” As for the other offerings, Fetter coordinator Michael Johns writes in an e-mail, “There is something for everyone,” or as Micaela puts it, “Little of everything, lots of variety.” The pieces sound sincerely exciting, and energy is apparent from all involved; if Sunday night is not already booked, or even if it is, make a concerted effort to come to this concert.