What is A “Lecture recital?”
Violinist Joshua Peckins presents a series of lecture recitals featuring the complete solo violin music by Bach and Ysaye, with warm and personal stories about the composers and their music, performed live in intimate recital settings.
In addition to performing live music at a Lecture Recital, Mr. Peckins shares moving and enriching stories about the composers and their music. Those stories can be the window into deep appreciation of a live performance.
Perfect for concert series, as well as other venues such as museums, libraries and schools, Mr. Peckins’ Lecture Recital has brought the power of live performance and the personal touch of storytelling to communities annually since 2015, with over 30 recital performances that have reached hundreds of audience members.
““This is solo violin music at its best.””
““An award-winning concert violinist, Peckins also has a
gift for capturing audiences’ attention with inspiring and
educational stories about the music he performs.””
Watch the video below to see Peckins speaking to a live audience about Ysaÿe’s “Obsession:”
Music / Programming
This season pairs Bach’s D minor Partita (which includes the legendary Ciaccona!) and Ysaye’s Fifth Solo Sonata – two of the most virtuosic and expressive works ever written for the violin. Their composition spanning over 200 years, these masterworks showcase the violin’s hugely diverse musical and technical potential, ranging from elegant and refined movements from the Baroque Period to sweeping arcs of sound and storytelling from the post-Romantic. George Enescu, the legendary Romanian violinist and colleague of Ysaye, described Bach’s solo violin music as “the Himalayas of violinists.” This is solo violin music at its best.
Here is an excerpt from Joshua’s performance of the Bach A minor Sonata, recorded live:
Invitation to Bach and Ysaye puts listeners face-to-face with live, solo violin performance. In Joshua’s own words:
“There is something intimate and powerful in talking with an audience and playing solo works in a recital venue, where the audience and performer are usually relatively close to one another. Through stories and proximity, both player and listener start to see each other as real people – something that is easily lost in our day of digital recordings, celebrities, and gigantic concert halls. Add to that the sound of the solo violin, which is so stunning and captivating when heard close-up and live!”
Above, a picture from a lecture recital Joshua performed in Vienna, Austria, in the private courtyard of photographer Erich Leonhard.
Past Performances
Over 30 performances dating back to 2015 have reached hundreds of audience members.
Past performances have been sponsored by: Boston Public Library, the New School of Music, Watertown Winter Concert Series, Somerville Public Libraries, Winsor School, Winchester Community Music School, Falmouth Library, Weaver Library in RI, Prosser Public Library in CT, East Providence Library in RI, Lassel College, Woburn Library, The Commons in Lincoln, Wellesley Library, Belmont Library, and Laurelmead Concert Series in RI.
You can read about the cultural impact of recent performances here.
Please view the concert calendar for all upcoming performances.
Above, a recent performance of Bach’s Chaconne in Woburn, MA.
Details / Booking
Please note: the “Invitation to Bach and Ysaÿe” lecture recital was presented from 2015 through 2020. For the 2021/22 season, Joshua Peckins is presenting his Music Speaks solo violin recitals, which also include live performance and spoken word. Please click here for more information about Music Speaks, or contact Anne Christiansen (below) for information about current bookings.
For all booking inquiries, please contact Anne Christiansen at:
booking@joshuapeckins.com | (617) 383-4556