MASTER CONCERT: Deux Arts
Kotari, St. Leonard’s Church
Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 8:00 PM
Deux Arts is a duo consisting of Radovan Cavallin, a distinguished clarinetist and professor with a wealth of experience from various international music academies and performances across numerous countries, and Jelena Očić, a renowned Croatian cellist praised for her powerful and emotive musical expression, who has received standing ovations on three continents and acclaim from prominent names in the music world.
This concert presents a diverse and intriguing program that bridges music from different eras, styles, and sensibilities. From Classicism and tango to contemporary dance rhythms, each piece on the repertoire speaks its own unique musical language and reflects the richness of chamber music.
Admission is free, but we kindly welcome voluntary contributions in support of the Youngmasters Festival.
PROGRAM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Duo No. 2 in F Major (arr. J. Očić)
Ian Deterling (b. 1994): Duo in C Minor, Op. 17
Duo in G Minor, Op. 17 (Grimm Waltz)
Paul Hindemith (1895–1963): Four Pieces from the cycle “Musikalisches Blumengärtlein und Leyptziger Allerley”
Mladen Tarbuk (b. 1962): Danzas
Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992): Two Tango Études (arr. J. Očić, S. Hernández)
Guillaume Connesson (b. 1970): Disco Toccata
PROGRAM NOTES
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Duo No. 2 in F Major (arr. J. Očić)
Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most influential composers in music history, whose work marked the transition from Classicism to Romanticism. His three duos for clarinet and bassoon, WoO 27, belong stylistically to his early creative period. Praised for their vibrant character and masterful use of tone color, they have long been considered masterpieces of wind chamber music.
Originally written for clarinet and bassoon, Duo No. 2 in F Major is performed here with the bassoon part adapted for cello, offering a new timbral dimension. The three-movement piece is cheerful and full of dialogue between the instruments. Its playful virtuosity and sensitive treatment of timbre make it a true gem of chamber literature. Despite its simple form, Beethoven displays an exceptional sense of subtle interaction and humor, making this work a favorite among both performers and audiences.
Ian Deterling (b. 1994): Duo in C Minor, Op. 17 & Duo in G Minor, Op. 17 (Grimm Waltz)
Ian Deterling is a young American composer and clarinetist whose works are increasingly finding their place on international stages. His musical language blends classical forms with modern expressive tools, and he stands out for his ability to tell stories through music.
The Duo in C Minor opens with a nostalgic mood that unfolds into a lively conversation between the two instruments, leading to a brilliant and virtuosic finale filled with dazzling coloratura.
The Duo in G Minor, also known as Grimm Waltz, is inspired by the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and the composer’s fascination with the grotesque, surreal world of mythical beings—gnomes, fairies, wizards, and dragons. The music evokes a somber yet enchanting atmosphere in which these creatures merge into a unified dance. The title “Grimm” refers not only to the famous storytellers but also to the German word grimmig, meaning “grim” or “gloomy,” emphasizing the mystical and fairytale-like ambiance.
Paul Hindemith (1895–1963): Four Pieces from Musikalisches Blumengärtlein und Leyptziger Allerley
German composer Paul Hindemith was one of the most significant musicians of the 20th century, known for his neoclassical style and innovative approach to harmony and counterpoint. He was also an accomplished performer, playing viola, clarinet, and other instruments.
Musikalisches Blumengärtlein und Leyptziger Allerley (“Musical Flower Garden and Leipzig Miscellany”) is a collection of short pieces born out of a love for chamber music and personal friendship. Hindemith composed the work for his wife, a cellist, and himself, a versatile musician. Comprised of several brief movements, the piece is a delightful addition to the repertoire for clarinet and cello.
Mladen Tarbuk (b. 1962): Danzas
Composer, conductor, and educator Mladen Tarbuk is a central figure in the Croatian music scene. His body of work spans a wide range of styles, often blending tradition with contemporary expression.
Danzas was written especially for the performers of this evening’s concert and had its world premiere in June 2025 in Sicily, where it was received with great enthusiasm. Each movement is infused with folkloric motifs, interweaving spirited energy with nostalgic reflection. Tarbuk skillfully uses rhythmic and melodic elements from folk traditions, transforming them into a modern musical language rich in color and emotion.
Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992): Two Tango Études (arr. J. Očić, S. Hernández)
Astor Piazzolla, the Argentine composer and bandoneonist, is credited with creating nuevo tango—a contemporary form of tango that fuses Argentine folk elements with jazz and classical music.
His Six Tango Études, written in 1987 for solo flute, represent the essence of Piazzolla’s musical language. He encouraged performers to exaggerate accents and breathing to capture the soul of tango. The two études performed this evening, arranged for clarinet and cello, offer interpretative and creative fulfillment while keeping the spirit of tango alive.
Guillaume Connesson (b. 1970): Disco Toccata
Guillaume Connesson is one of the leading contemporary French composers, known for his energetic, color-rich works that blend classical forms with influences from popular music.
Disco Toccata, written for clarinet and cello, is inspired by disco music—with its strong rhythms and distinctive melodic patterns—and the baroque toccata form. The piece’s incredible energy stems from the synergy between the fast-paced baroque style and the pulsing disco beat. With humor and flair, it challenges the boundaries between genres, reminding us that music is always alive, dynamic, and open to new interpretations.
