David Greilsammer
Thursday: One pianist, two pianos. That's the unusual combination needed for a fascinating recital hailed by the New York Times as "one of the 10 most important musical events of the year." In it Israeli pianist David Greilsammer juxtaposes sonatas by the prolific Domenico Scarlatti (he wrote 555 of them) with those of John Cage, the maverick American composer. Cage "prepared" the piano for his pieces by applying screws, bolts and strips of wood to specified strings, creating a surreal mosaic of percussive sound effects, a uniquely alluring listening experience. (7:30 p.m. Thu., James J. Hill Center, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul, $30, 651-292-3268 or schubert.org)
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
Thursday & Saturday: Mendelssohn adored Bach's music, and played a big part in rehabilitating it in the 19th century. So it's fitting to see the two yoked together in a St. Paul Chamber Orchestra program featuring Bach's joyful Wedding Cantata (with soprano Hyunah Yu), and Mendelssohn's fiery First Symphony, written when he was still a teenager. Conductor Thomas Zehetmair picks up his violin for the opening item, Arvo Pärt's mesmeric Fratres, marking the 80th birthday of the celebrated Estonian composer. Zehetmair is a probingly intelligent interpreter, and an evening of enlightened, stimulating music-making seems certain. (7:30 p.m. Thu., Plymouth Congregational Church, Mpls.; 8 p.m. Sat.; Ordway Concert Hall. $15-$53. 651-291-1144 or thespco.org)
Terry Blain
