Ruth Laredo, "America's First Lady of the Piano" -- Concerts With Commentary

Ruth Laredo

Concerts With Commentary

"Hats off to Ruth Laredo. Here is a pianist who can not only play Chopin with brilliance, taste and feeling, but discuss the composer's life and work in an intelligent and engaging way...This was a marvelous evening."

Because of the tremendous success of the Metropolitan Museum programs, Ruth Laredo is now offering Concerts with Commentary in addition to her recital tours throughout North America.

For 16 consecutive sold-out seasons at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, distinguished pianist Ruth Laredo has been presented in a unique series that has won her exceptional acclaim for her masterful playing and lively commentary. Her Programs have encompassed a broad range of composers, from Scriabin, Ravel and Rachmaninoff to Clara and Robert Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky. Making use of biographical sketches, musical examples and personal insights, she creates a living portrait of the composer and his music.

VIEW CLIPS FROM THE VIDEO:

Piano Concerto No. 2 (.mov, 2.92 MB)

Prelude in c# minor (.mov, 1.87 MB)

These annual events have proven that New York audiences love the informality of Ruth Laredo's Concerts with Commentary...She speaks from the heart then she performs the music, creating a living portrait of the composer and his life and times.

Metropolitan Museum Concerts
Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium

The Russian Spirit
This season will feature the music of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Shostakovich, in a three-concert series with special guests Courtenay Budd, soprano and the St. Petersburg String Quartet.

Friday, November 5, 2004 at 7:00 P.M.
Scriabin - Works for Solo Piano
Rachmaninoff - Songs
Tchaikovsky - Trio in A Minor, Opus 50

Friday, January 21, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
Rachmaninoff - Works for Solo Piano
Tchaikovsky - Songs
Shostakovich - Piano Quintet

Friday, May 6, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
Scriabin - Works for Solo Piano
Rachmaninoff - Songs
Prokofiev - Sonata No. 1 in F Minor for Violin and Piano, Opus 80
Tchaikovsky - String Sextet in D Major, Opus 70, "Souvenir de Florence"

For tickets call 212-570-3949 or visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art Web Site.

Such Good Friends

Recorded on an authentic 1893 Bechstein Piano from the Metropolitan Museum's instrument collection, this recording highlights the personal relationships between Brahms, Mendelssohn, and the Schumanns.

LISTEN TO CLIPS FROM THE CD:
     Felix Mendelssohn - Rondo Capriccioso (mp3, 330K)
     Robert Schumann - Fantasiestücke, Op. 12,
                                    Traumes Wirren (Dream Visions) (mp3, 752K)
      Clara Schumann - Romance, Op. 11 (mp3, 534K)
      Johannes Brahms - Op. 118, #2 in A major (mp3, 518K)

BUY THE CD

Ruth's Video and CD celebrating her concerts
from the Metropolitan Museum of Art are available in the museum gift shop.

Erard Piano from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Instrument Collection. Built in 1840, it is an unparalleled example of a piano of this period. Purchased in 1959 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In addition to her regular recital and symphony engagements, the Concerts with Commentary series is now being presented in many other cities around the U.S. in the form of single events or a 3-concert series. Contact Gurtman and Murtha Artist Management for more information.