Many folks these days are finding ways to be productive while sheltering at home. New York City residents Jeffrey Myers and Siwoo Kim escaped New York’s COVID-19 crisis and headed to Columbus, where they made their time in self-quarantine count.
Myers is first violinist with the acclaimed Calidore String Quartet, while Kim, also a violinist, is artistic director of Columbus’ VIVO Music Festival. Both have deep roots in the Columbus area – Myers grew up in Upper Arlington and Kim in Westerville.
Friends since their school days, Myers and Kim fled New York City and traveled back to Columbus, where they’ve self-quarantined for the last two weeks.
To make the time productive, the violinists decided to learn and video record Prokofiev’s Sonata for Two Violins.
They gave their video to Classical 101, so you can enjoy!
“I just thought it’d be fun to contribute to the Columbus music community during this time,” wrote Kim via email.
Violinists Jeffrey Myers and Siwoo Kim with Prokofiev’s Sonata for Two Violins, first movement
Sergei Prokofiev was not exactly social distancing while he composed the sonata – he was vacationing on the French Riviera, enjoying the azure waters and sun-warmed sand.
In other words, a far cry from a gray pandemic spring in midwestern America.
Violinists Jeffrey Myers and Siwoo Kim with Prokofiev’s Sonata for Two Violins, second movement
Prokofiev wrote the sonata for the 1932 inaugural concert of Triton, the new Paris chamber music society devoted to the performance of new music. (The sonata was actually premiered in Moscow a few weeks before the Paris performance.) The Triton series would later feature premieres by other major 20th century composers, including Bela Bartok and Paul Hindemith.
Violinists Jeffrey Myers and Siwoo Kim with Prokofiev’s Sonata for Two Violins, third movement
Quarantine in Columbus might not be quite like basking on the beach in St. Tropez, but hey – it’s not a bad way to pass the time.
Violinists Jeffrey Myers and Siwoo Kim with Prokofiev’s Sonata for Two Violins, finale
