Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Classical

There are, in every cultural era, oceans of work that are swept into obscurity. Everyone knew at the time that Beethoven's music was immortal, but many also predicted the same future for Hummel and Czerny, both now mere footnotes in musical history. In our age, the guessing game is as daunting as ever because the range of styles is so immense. Yet there are among us a number of veteran masters whose work has intrigued and delighted musicians and audiences into new generations and perhaps will into future ones. Three of the composers on the program of two superbly communicative artists, violinist Ida Levin and pianist Jeremy Denk, fall into this category; Leon Kirchner, Elliott Carter and György Ligeti. A fourth master, Witold Lutoslawski, died in 1994, but his music has also demonstrated staying power. None of this music is instantly easy on the ear, but for the reasonably curious and imaginative listener, this material is completely accessible, intellectually fascinating, and even beautiful. For that matter, you could say the same thing about Beethoven.

Sun., March 21, 3 p.m., $15, Settlement Music School, 416 Queen St., 215-569-8080.

—Peter Burwasser

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