Jean-Guihen Queyras, Cello, and Alexandre Tharaud, Piano

French cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and pianist Alexandre Tharaud bring decades of friendship and shared curiosity to Princeton University Concerts. Queyras, long cherished by our audiences for his trio appearances with Isabelle Faust and Alexander Melnikov, now makes his long-awaited recital debut with Tharaud as the duo celebrates thirty years of musical partnership. Their many recordings together have earned multiple Diapason d’Or distinctions and Gramophone Editor’s Choice honors for their “warm acoustic and intimate approach,” a quality that shines through in this evening’s program threading rare gems alongside familiar favorites and even a playful set of Brahms Hungarian Dances arranged by the duo themselves. With inventive arrangements, sparkling miniatures, and a spirit of joy that comes only from decades of listening and responding to one another, this recital is a celebration of friendship in its most musical form—truly the world’s greatest musicians among friends.

Francis Poulenc

Suite française, FP 80

Johannes Brahms

Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38

Alban Berg

Four Pieces for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 5 (arr. Queyras/Tharaud)

Franz Schubert

from Arpeggione Sonata in A Minor, D. 821: II. Adagio

Benjamin Britten

from Sonata In C For Cello And Piano Op. 65:

I. Dialogo. Allergo

V. Moto Perpetuo. Presto

Marin Marais

from Suite in D Minor (Pièces de viole, Livre II): Prélude and Sarabande

Claude Debussy

from Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 135: Prologue. Lent, sostenuto e molto risoluto (arr. Léon Roques)

Gabriel Fauré

Sicilienne, Op. 78 & Papillon, Op. 77

Johannes Brahms

Hungarian Dances Nos. 1 in G Minor, 5 in F-sharp Minor, & 7 in A Major, WoO 1 (arr. Queyras/Tharaud)