Karl Stobbe & Andrew Armstrong
Audience as a Critic - 2019-2020
AUDIENCE AS CRITIC – FEBRUARY 01, 2020 
KARL STOBBE & ANDREW ARMSTRONG
– Programme –
W. A. Mozart
Violin Sonata in A major, No. 35 K.526
Carl Nielsen
Violin Sonata No. 2, Op. 35
Jean Sibelius
Five Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 81
Johannes Brahms
Violin Sonata in D minor, No. 3, Op. 108
– Young Artist Program –
Paulina Gonzales, soprano
Lisa Rumpel, piano
Joaquín Turina
Poema en Forma de Canciones (three selections)
– AUDIENCE COMMENTS –
“FABULOUS CONCERT”
- Wonderfully planned and executed. Marvelous musicians and charming chops. (Anonymous)
- What an unexpected surprise to hear the pre-concert with Paulina Gonzales. She was wonderful and represented the U of M with great aplomb. Karl and Andrew were spectacular. Absolutely stunning programme with Nielsen and Sibelius! (Anonymous)
- I loved the Mozart. Good to experience Carl Nielsen. Brahms was beautiful. (MPL)
- Fabulous concert! Karl and Andrew were such a special treat to hear together! Especially enjoyed being introduced to the Nielsen sonata. And the Sibelius pieces made me feel like dancing! First time in this Hall and so impressed with this venue - acoustic are flawless - and Andrew Thomson - kudos on a seamless presentation - and on repairing lighting issues! My piano student (age 10) thoroughly enjoyed the evening. (SC)
- Fabulous concert. Wonderful to hear our local musicians who are world class. A great varied program. (EG)
- I thoroughly enjoy the pre-concert talks. This one was especially good. I really enjoyed the program. I am so glad I came! These concerts are excellent. (Anonymous)
- Excellent concert! The joy they put into Brahms brought me to tears. (Anonymous)
- Delightful first half with Mozart, and dark-delightful with Nielsen: admirable control of different tone colours. The Sibelius was like chocolate nougat before the bliss and terrors of the Brahms. What a show! (ME)
- Amazing concert! Karl and Andrew played so well together! 1000 out of 10 Spectacular. (AN)
- Karl and Andrew were outstanding (as expected). As I was unfamiliar with the Nielsen sonata, I found it a little jarring, but interesting. Maybe it will grow on me. I found Ms. Gonzales voice a little harsh. While competent, I hope she is able to soften her presentation as she progresses. (DS)
- Mozart—a beautiful conversation between the instruments - each stating themes in their own voices, always elegant and clear with perfect nuances. Nielsen—most interesting and varied - showing the skills of the performers and the beauty of the music; sparkling and amazing technique from both performers. Sibelius—each piece a small gem with its own character and beauty. Brahms—rich harmonies and singing tones - melodies from the violin and from the piano; a triumphant ending to a great concert. (VH)
- Wow. Absolutely dazzling performance. Just marvelous. So amazing I almost forgot that I had been woken up by their 7:30 am rehearsal this morning...and yesterday morning. Definitely worth the lost sleep. More exciting than the Jet’s game, Matthew. (KS) [Full Disclosure: Karl’s daughter wrote these comments and submitted them directly to Karl. Both agreed they could be included in our Audience as Critic]