Performed by - Eun Seo Park, violin / Dominic K. Na, cello / Jonathan Tsay, piano / Presented by Park Na Studio

Presented by ParkNa Studio for Violin, VIola, Cello. Live from the Club House at the Dorado Ranch, on 10/26/2024. DUO-SONATA (“ABOUT US”) At the time when Eun Seo Park and Dominic Na commissioned me to write a piece for them, their lives were going through a disruption similar to that affecting my fiancee’s life and mine: although they loved each other very much, they were being forced by circumstances to live apart for an indefinite period of time. With this experience in common, I decided to write a piece for them inspired by the vicissitudes and tribulations of a couple in love, which is why this piece is subtitled “About Us.” The first movement deals with the excitement of being in love, with its highs and lows. - Allen Cohen

Presented by ParkNa Studio Live at the Crystal Bridges | Museum of American Art

Eun Seo Park, Violin | Yi Zhang, Piano "Liebesleid" (Love's Sorrow) by Fritz Kreisler (1875- 1962) Fritz Kreisler, an Austrian violinist and composer, was one of the most celebrated violinists of his time. Known for his elegant and soulful playing, he composed numerous short pieces and cadenzas for the violin. Among his most beloved and frequently performed compositions are the two Viennese waltzes, "Liebesfreud" and "Liebesleid." "Liebesleid" (Love's Sorrow), by contrast, is a more melancholic and reflective waltz. Its tender, bittersweet melody evokes the sorrow and longing that can accompany lost love. The piece's expressive phrasing and rich harmonies create a sense of deep pathos and nostalgia, offering a poignant counterpoint to the jubilant "Liebesfreud."

Dominic Na, Cello | Yi Zhang, Piano Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, L. 135 Composed in 1915, Claude Debussy's Sonata for Cello and Piano is one of his final chamber masterpieces and a brilliant departure from his earlier Impressionistic style. This work, written during World War I, is part of a planned series of six sonatas, though only three were completed. The sonata is a concise and innovative work that shows Debussy's admiration for French Baroque composers. It's full of wit, drama, and sudden changes in mood, making it a thrilling and unpredictable journey for both the performers and the audience. • Prologue: A deeply expressive and introspective opening, beginning with a haunting cello solo. The music is improvisatory and full of dramatic shifts, creating a sense of profound storytelling. • Sérénade: A playful and whimsical movement where the cello takes on a mischievous, clown-like character. Debussy uses a range of special effects like pizzicato and glissando to create a light and humorous atmosphere. • Finale: A brilliant, energetic, and virtuosic finale. The music is full of nervous energy and rapid shifts, with both instruments racing toward a thrilling and breathless conclusion. This sonata is a cornerstone of the cello repertoire, celebrated for its unique blend of wit, poetry, and technical brilliance.