Perlman to Wow Lyric Audiences Once Again

World-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman returns to Lyric on April 23 to deliver an exquisite and powerful program that you won’t want to miss! A recent winner of the prestigious Genesis Prize, Perlman has earned 16 Grammys and 4 Emmys. Perlman’s previous recital at Lyric in 2014 thrilled our audience, and we’re delighted to present his only Chicago appearance this season. The performance will feature large-screen image enhancement so that you'll be able to savor every note from this international virtuoso.

Joined by Sri Lankan pianist Rohan De Silva, Perlman begins the program with Vivaldi’s Sonata No. 2 in A Major. Famous for its continuo accompaniment and virtuosic effervescence, it’s one of the composer’s most famous works for the violin. 

Next will be Beethoven’s Sonata No. 1 in D Major. Considered radical when it was composed, the piece is marked by Beethoven’s idiosyncratic hallmarks that left critics scratching their heads – especially the final movement, containing not one but two “false” endings! 

Perlman will round off the program’s first half with Schumann’s Fantasiestücke (Fantasy Pieces). Originally titled Night Pieces, this work was composed for the clarinet and piano, with the composer indicating that the clarinet could be replaced by the viola or cello. Perlman will perform the rarely heard arrangement for violin, and will no doubt bring out Schumann’s romantic and fantastical expressions that reflect the composer’s emotions and mood swings. 

The second half is taken up primarily by Ravel’s famous Sonata No. 2 in G Major. The most notable part of this work is its middle movement. Entitled “Blues. Moderato,” it hints at a new style of American music during its composition in the 1920s: jazz. Perlman will announce additional selections from the stage to round out the diverse musical pleasures of the afternoon.

The incomparable Itzhak Perlman in recital – a performance no Chicago music-lover should miss!