Clarisse Profilet

Mostly Duos featured the collaborative efforts of accomplished musicians Arkady Fomin, Barbara Thiem and David Korevaar, who performed an eclectic blend of classical treats on March 1 in the University Theater.

Korevaar kicked off the show with “Variations on an original Theme, Opus 21 #1” by Johannes Brahms. This piece was an unusual work for this composer, physically straining with multiple voices and almost reminiscent of Bach’s Preludes and Fugues.

The piece obviously suited Korevaar perfectly, for he eased right into the technique and precision obviously required while maintaining an elegant touch throughout the performance. This, of course, explains his impressive repertoire, which includes a solo recording of the complete “Well Tempered Clavier.”

The violin and cello duos, one by Zoltan Kodaly and another by Martinu Bohuslav, were performed by Fomin on violin and Thiem on cello.

These were rich with complicated rhythmical technique and harmonic tension: tremors, skips and a recurrence of melodic theme among discord. This sort of music used to send riots into the streets of France.

Overall, the performance was a treat for musical connoisseurs and students alike, attracting nearly a full house. According to Dennis Kratz, dean of Arts & Humanities, this is an impressive feat for a classical performance on a Monday night.