Nearly two centuries after his death, Franz Schubert continues to cast a spell over musicians’ imaginations. Part of it is that he died so young, at just 31, leaving a magnificent and large body of work but hinting at reams more left unwritten.
The bigger part of it, perhaps, is the way his music seems to point in stylistic dimensions that were never fully explored by composers who came after him. Hence the perennial craze for music that responds to or fills out the ideas that are latent in his work.
Pianist-composer Timo Andres and the Calder Quartet have assembled such a program for their joint San Francisco Performances recital. It includes Schubert’s wonderfully moody A-Minor Quartet, as well as “Remembering Schubert,” a piano piece by the late Canadian composer Ann Southam. Andres’ piano quintet, “The Great Span,” completes the program.
Datebook Tips
Given its proximity to Hayes Valley, there aretons of dining optionsfor a pre-performance meal that’s walking distance to the Herbst. On the fine dining end, there’sJardiniereandCala. For something casual,SouvlaandRT Rotisserieare both excellent choices. On the east side of Van Ness — and also within walking distance — head to favorites likeCorridorandAugust 1 Five, or you couldtake a cue from Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamarand dine atBrenda’s French Soul Foodover on Polk Street.