Dr. Maria Bessmeltseva, who received her master’s in violin performance from Bowling Green State
University returns to the area Sunday when she performs a recital with her sister pianist Ekaterina
Bessmeltseva, also a BGSU graduate, at 2 p.m. in Way Public Library.The Bessmeltseva sisters grew up in
Russia, and started their studies there. Maria Bessmeltseva came to study at Oberlin and her sister followed
to study at BGSU.The Way Library concert will feature a number of works by composers from their native land
including pieces by Igor Stravinsky, Anatol Lyadov and Nikolai Medtner as well as music by Vittorio Monti,
Fritz Kreisler, Pablo de Sarasate and Astor Piazzolla.The piece by nuevo tango composer Piazzolla is for
unaccompanied violin and comes from Maria Bessmeltseva’s new recording "Soliloquy: Music for
Unaccompanied Violin."The CD’s program ranges from a suite of Piazzolla’s invigorating tangos to
stately works by G.P. Telemann.Bessmeltseva flexes her technique on showpieces by Kreisler and Nicolai
Paganini.The centerpiece of the recording is Serge Prokofiev’s "Sonata for Solo Violin in D." It
opens with a playful march that includes section that belie the fact that thee really is only one violin
being heard. The second movement contrasts slower, lyrical melodies with more sprightly passages. The third
movement explores the darker aspects of the key signature with lighter shades breaking through before ending
with a burst of energy.The recording is available online at her website: mariabessmeltseva.com/