In Episode 9 of Unorchestrated, Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about her belief that the composition and premiere of the “Kreutzer” sonata were shaped by George Bridgetower’s unique performing style, with readings from her book, Sonata Mulattica. 

This is the ninth episode in our 14-part series, Sonata Mulattica with Rita Dove.

The episode closes with a performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” Sonata by ASO Concertmaster Tallie Brunfelt and pianist Nathaniel LaNasa. 

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner, former U.S. Poet Laureate, and the only poet honored with both the National Humanities Medal and the National Medal of Arts. An Akron native, she is currently Commonwealth Professor of English at the University of Virginia.

(Photo courtesy of W.W. Norton & Company)