Artscene written for one of his friends' gatherings," Potvin said. "It was one of those things OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF where (today) instead of watching TV or The Oakville Chamber Ensemble is turning on the radio on a Saturday, he and adding a little romance to February with his friends would gather around the piano their Valentine-themed concert on and sing the love songs." Saturday, Feb. 6. The first book, Opus 52 contains 18 The program celebrates everything that songs, while the second book, Opus 65, has is love, with Johannes Brahms's 15 songs. Potvin said they are typical Liebeslieder (Songs of Love) and Neue Romantic Brahms in every sense. Liebeslieder (New Songs of Love). "They have beautiful melodies, very The 16-voice professional choir accom- Brahms as the harmonies are very lush, it panied by piano will bring the text and is a lot of fun to sing and really pleasant to Brahms' sonorous composing to life. listen to," he said. "While many people "I love Brahms's music and it is the right know him for his lullabies, you'll hear time of year to do Brahms," said Stephane those type of melodies as well, but they are Potvin, artistic director. "Anyone who likes at a faster tempo. They aren't the slow love choral or piano music, as songs you hear on the well as anyone who is in "These Brahms pieces are radio. There's a lot of a romantic mood, will very easy to listen to." spark to them." like this concert. These The choir will be perBrahms pieces are very Stephane Potvin forming a selection of easy to listen to." pieces from the two Artistic director IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE: The choir of Brahms, who lived books. While the songs selection of love songs by Brahms this Saturday. from 1833-1897, was a are written for vocal German composer and quartet, it is commonpianist. He is considered by many to be one place for chamber choirs to perform them linked to several different women, including a short-term engagement, no marriage of the greatest figures of the Romantic era. today. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Potvin said he tried to choose a variety materialized. Arguably the most important relationBrahms enjoyed success and popularity of songs to maintain interest among the ship of his life was with Clara Schumann, a during his lifetime. He composed for piano, audience. chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, "We're doing about 12 pieces," said pianist who was married to composer Robert Schumann. as well as for voice and chorus. As a virtu- Potvin. Despite Brahms's and Clara's strong oso pianist, he also performed many of his "They are all waltzes of love, but each own works in concert. one is at a different tempo. You have a mix emotional connection, it is believed the two The Liebeslieder and Neue Liebeslieder of women singing about men, and men only had a platonic relationship. The concert is a departure for the are two groups of love songs written for singing about women. Some are very Oakville Chamber Ensemble as it is its first vocal quartet and piano four-hands. The humorous." first group of songs dates from approxiWhile Brahms wrote beautiful music Valentine's event, and its first choral permately 1870. The second collection is dated about love, sadly it was something he formance accompanied by piano. Carol A. King and Ken Hull will be at the at 1875. would never achieve in the long-term in his "The songs are in German and were own life. Although he was romantically piano bench on Saturday. By Tina Depko Sign up now for guitar, bass, drums, and piano OAKVILLE'S MUSIC STORE · WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010 13 Sharing the love with a little help from Brahms the Oakville Chamber Ensemble is presenting a "We've done a lot of a cappella music before and this is the first time we'll do something with the piano and the choir," said Potvin. "It is quite exciting." Oakville Chamber Ensemble presents Brahms' Songs of Love on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Simon's Anglican Church, 1450 Litchfield Rd. Advance tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $50 for a family. Tickets at the door cost $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, $15 for students and $70 for a family. Order online at www.oakville-ensemble.ca, call 905-825-9740 or e-mail info@oakville-ensemble.ca. Aqua therapy and rehabilitation coming to Oakville Health & Wellness Club. Upwardly Mobile is proud to offer Canada's only AquaCiser III water treadmill for physiotherapy and training use. Those recovering from surgery, fractures or sprains, back and spine injuries, heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and soft tissue damage are all good candidates for aquatic therapy. This variable speed water treadmill is a revolution in aquatic therapy. Opening March 2010 in the RIOCAN Centre Burloak. An adult oriented health & wellness club with value and prestige created to serve the growing population of actively aging adults. Offering a state-of-the-art fitness facility, physiotherapy, personal amenities and staff dedicated to providing health & wellness solutions that are innovative, entertaining, measurable and fun based around a wellness lifestyle. 3517 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, Ontario 905-827-1112 www.upwardlymobilehealth.com