Beethoven’s music aspired to the most lofty realms of human emotion—the pinnacles of nobility, heroism and passion. His personal life, however, was not so ideal and was characterized by conflict and questionable judgment—which makes Beethoven’s relationship with the Archduke Rudolph all the more special. A friend, student and patron, the Archduke Rudolph inspired Beethoven to compose some of his most touching and care-free music. In contrast, Tchaikovsky’s relationship with Anton Rubenstein was much more fraught. Rubenstein was the founder of Russia’s first conservatory and constantly knocked heads with Tchaikovsky, Russia’s first professional composer. When Nicolai Rubenstein, Anton’s brother, came to Tchaikovsky’s aid, a friendship was struck that lasted until the former’s untimely death. In tribute, Tchaikovsky began the Russian compositional tradition of writing a piano trio as an elegy for a departed friend, a canvas on which to paint the monumental emotions he felt for his friend and mentor.

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Works to be performed on the “With a Little Help From Their Friends” program include:

Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Trio in Bb Major, Op. 97
Peter Tchaikovsky, Piano Trio in A minor