Renowned violinist Midori will tour the United States this March, presenting a recital program deeply influenced by the poetry and tragic life of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. Lorca, whose poem “Casida of the Lament” opens with the lines “I have shut my balcony / because I do not want to hear the weeping,” was executed in 1936 by fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War, and his work poignantly addresses themes of grief and loss.
The recital program, which Midori will perform alongside pianist Özgür Aydin, explores expressions of suffering through the chamber music of Johannes Brahms, Maurice Ravel, Francis Poulenc, and Robert Schumann. The tour launches on March 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Finney Chapel at Oberlin College, as part of the institution’s Artist Recital Series.
Reflecting on her long-standing partnership with pianist Özgür Aydin, Midori shared, “This is a partnership that has lasted for quite a long time now. I’ve enjoyed working with him on various repertoire—I often find the collaborative process very inspiring.”
Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Violin and Piano holds a special place in the program, as the composer wrote it in memory of Lorca during Nazi-occupied France between 1942 and 1943. This piece serves as both an artistic tribute and an act of political defiance. Notably, the second movement, titled “Intermezzo,” draws from Lorca’s poem “The Six Strings,” beginning with the line “The guitar makes dreams weep.”
The program also features Robert Schumann’s Fünf Stücke im Volkston (“Five Pieces in Folk Style”), composed in 1849. Originally scored for cello and piano, Schumann adapted it for violin and piano. This collection highlights German folk musical traditions and predates his first violin sonata by two years.
Johannes Brahms’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, composed between 1878 and 1879, will also be performed. Brahms, who was mentored by Schumann, acknowledged the musical balance between piano and violin in this three-movement work by titling it a “Sonata for Piano and Violin.”
Maurice Ravel’s contributions to the recital celebrate his upcoming 150th birthday on March 7. Known for his innovative style and folk-inspired compositions, Ravel’s works include Deux mélodies hébraïques, featuring the spiritually charged “Kaddish,” and the virtuosic violin showpiece Tzigane, influenced by Hungarian musical themes.
Midori expressed enthusiasm about performing this diverse and meaningful program, as well as continuing her artistic collaboration with Özgür Aydin. “It’s always rewarding when we can engage deeply in shaping interpretations together, discussing musical ideas thoroughly before a performance,” she noted.
Beyond performing, Midori is devoted to music education and humanitarian efforts. She founded several non-profits such as Midori & Friends in New York and MUSIC SHARING in Japan, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing young musicians and communities worldwide.
During a residency at Oberlin College leading up to the concert, Midori conducted violin and chamber music masterclasses and offered a career discussion at the Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse. She worked with nearly 50 students from the Conservatory, praising their dedication and vibrant energy.
Concert details:
Midori, violin, with Özgür Aydin, piano
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Finney Chapel, Oberlin College
90 N. Professor St., Oberlin, OH 44074
Tickets:
$35 Public
$30 Oberlin College staff, faculty, alumni, seniors, military
$10 Students
Tickets are available online, by phone at 800-371-0178, or in person weekdays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Ticket Service, 67 N. Main Street, Eric Baker Nord Performing Arts Complex lobby.
Oberlin College and Conservatory students can obtain free tickets through the Claim Your Seat program, generously supported by Richard ’62 and Linda ’62 Clark.
This recital series is proudly sponsored by Ideastream Public Media, the official media partner.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
