Since the retirement of founding violinist Ferdinand Liva, members of the DaPonte String Quartet have taken the wonderful opportunity to present a program of Duo and Trio literature in an intimate and engaging setting. The Beethoven “C minor Trio,” the “Ernö Dohnányi Serenade,” and the Mozart “Duo in B flat” comprise the works on the program and represent three jewels of the chamber music literature.

The Beethoven, written at the height of his first compositional period, exemplifies his early mastery of the genre. Written in 1902, Dohnányi’s Serenade for String Trio is packed with dramatic twists and turns. If you’ve not heard the Hungarian composer’s work, you are in for smiles, surprises, and sense of wonder. Mozart’s B flat Duo, K424 was originally presented as part of a set of works by Michael Haydn, the younger brother of Franz Joseph. Mozart’s genius would not remain disguised though, as his “obvious workmanship” shone brightly.