A BPO recipe for musical success

Sa Chen

What do you get when you mix two Schumanns, one Brahms and a Chinese pianist?

A symphonic recipe that will please the most discerning musical palate as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the music of husband and wife Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at Kleinhans Music Hal l.

Just mix these ingredients together for pure musical indulgence:

• A trio of the greatest composers from the Romantic Age.

• A lyrical piano virtuoso.

• A fiery conductor.

• A powerful philharmonic orchestra. Preparation:

Start with Brahms' tender but powerful "Tragic Overture" performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by JoAnn Falletta. Next, add a dash of Asian flavor with Sa Chen, the brilliant award-winning Chinese pianist, who has been delighting audiences in Australia, China, Europe, Japan and the United States, in the poetic "Concerto for Piano" by Clara Schumann. (Written in the composer's teen years, the music reveals Schumann's lyrical gift for suggestive tunes and deeply hued harmony.) To complete the dish, add a large dollop of Robert Schumann's popular Symphony No. 2, replete with soul-driven phrases and resplendent sonorities - and enjoy!

Kleinhans is located at 71 Symphony Circle, off Richmond Avenue, Buffalo. Tickets are available through the box office at 885-5000.