Santa Barbara Music Club Free Concert February 3, 2024 at 3:00pm

The Santa Barbara Music Club presents a program of exquisite classical and jazz music on Saturday, February 3, at 3:00 at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, featuring Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Trio and Toot Suite for Trumpet and Jazz Trio as well as four late piano works of Johannes Brahms:  Ballade in G minor, Op. 118, No. 3 Intermezzo in B-flat minor, Op. 117. No. 2 Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118, No. 2 Rhapsodie in E-flat major, Op. 119, No. 4 Capriccio in D minor, Op. 116, No. 7,  performed by Robert Else. Admission is free.

Regarding Bolling’s works, The French Academy of Recording has stated:  “Claude Bolling has not been tempted, as have so many others, by an impossible fusion of classical music and jazz.  Passing from one to the other with an angelic virtuosity, he has accomplished a strong and exciting juxtaposition for the ear.”

And of these late Brahms works, written 1892-93, Artur Rubinstein has said:  “It is with the late piano works, Op. 116-119, that we reach Brahms’ most personal music for his chosen instrument.”  At the time of writing, Brahms had lost his sister and several of his dear friends, and was likely aware that his own time was coming to an end.  There is a feeling of resignation in many of them, but the overarching effect is one of incredible emotion, profound acceptance, and peace.

All are welcome.  Admission and parking are free.  For information on this and other Santa Barbara Music Club programs and performing artists, visit  www.SBMusicClub.org.