The blended sonorities of Patti McCarty’s lush dark viola and Bill Zito’s crystalline ringing guitar are gorgeous! They have been playing together for a couple of years and have achieved an intense musical rapport. Perched together quite snug on an elevated platform under the tent, they were nicely visible to the crowd that spilled onto the lawn at Weatherwatch Farm. And the afternoon was glorious! Safe practices were followed, with all wearing masks and maintaining distance.
The duo’s program was a thoughtful and excellent selection of periods and moods, starting with Locatelli and Paganini sonatas. Of particular interest was a newly discovered work attributed to Beethoven and a premiere of a work composed for the duo by John Hawkins. And what’s not to love about the Spanish flavors of Ravel, Ibert, and Albeniz! Light refreshments were served under the big shade tree following the music. Folks explored the gardens and ultimately peeled off, having enjoyed a rare social gathering during the “Summer of Covid.â€
