Chang and Eichhorn @ CSU 5/2 Cleveland is so rich in music. Almost any night of the week, one can hear transcendent music-making in our community, by incredibly gifted musicians including members of the Cleveland Orchestra, indulging in their love of chamber music. Furthermore, a good many of these programs have no admission charge. Such a recital as was presented in the warm ambiance of Drinko Recital Hall last week would have set you back at least $50 in New York or some other music capital. But here? Free. And, it was marvelous!

Angelin Chang is Coordinator of Keyboard Studies and Coordinator for Chamber Music at Cleveland State University. Eric Eichhorn is usually found in the fifth chair of the first violin section of The Cleveland Orchestra, or he may be teaching at CSU. Or elsewhere. He is also an active chamber musician, so you could hardly go wrong attending a recital that featured these two impressive musicians.

They performed three sonatas on the formal portion of the program, and another—in miniature—as an encore. Sonata in G Major BWV 1019 of Johann Sebastian Bach; Sonata in e minor, Op 36a of Ferruccio Busoni and Sonata in D Major, Op. 94 of Serge Prokofieff were the meat and potatoes of this banquet; Mozart’s Sonata K 404 in C major was the sublime dessert.

Neither of these musicians are demonstrative or excessively emotional in their playing. They have a straightforward yet intense approach which does ample justice to the music and its intent, and the technique to make it all seem perfectly effortless. Intonation, dynamics, expression—all was as it should be in this very satisfying performance. The Busoni was especially appreciated I think, perhaps because it isn’t heard as frequently as it might be.

There is an abundance of fine music-making available to be heard at Cleveland State University. Parking is ample and convenient. The major difficulty is in discovering the existence of their performance schedule. For the rest of this school year (through early June, 2006) you can find it here: http://www.csuohio.edu/music/calendar.html. Or try calling 216.687.2036 for information. You won't regret it.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net (:divend:)