In the debut of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about Sonata Mulattica, her book of poems detailing the relationship between the black violinist George Bridgetower and Beethoven.

This is the first episode in a 14-part series: Sonata Mulattica with Rita Dove.

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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.

The episode closes with a performance of Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, opus 47, performed by Akron Symphony Concertmaster Tallie Brunfelt and pianist Nathaniel LaNasa.

(Photo of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)

In Episode 2 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about the early life of violin virtuoso George Bridgetower from her book of poems, Sonata Mulattica.

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

The episode closes with a performance by Akron Symphony Assistant Concertmaster Amy Cave of the Largo and Allegro assai movements from Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in C major.

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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 of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)

In Episode 3 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about the prodigy years of violinist George Bridgetower from her book of poems, Sonata Mulattica.

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

The episode closes with a performance of Haydn’s Duo for violin & viola in F major, performed by two members of the Akron Symphony, Pablo Sanchez-Pazos, violin, and Maia Hoffman, viola.

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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 of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)

In Episode 4 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about violinist George Bridgetower’s debut in Paris from her book of poems, Sonata Mulattica.

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

The episode closes with a performance of Joseph Boulogne’s Sonata for Flute and Harp, performed by ASO principal players, Barbara O’Brien, flute, and Jody Guinn, harp.

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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 of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)

In Episode 5 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about violinist George Bridgetower’s early life in London as a child prodigy, with readings from her book, Sonata Mulattica. 

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

The episode closes with a brilliant performance of Paganini’s Duo for One Violin by ASO guest artist Feng Ning. 

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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 of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)

In Episode 6 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about Joseph Haydn’s arrival in London, with readings from her book, Sonata Mulattica. 

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

The episode closes with a performance of the finale from Haydn’s Symphony No. 95 in C minor by the Akron Symphony Orchestra.

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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.

In Episode 7 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about the diverse music scene in early 19th century London, with a reading of “Janissary Rap” from her book, Sonata Mulattica. 

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

The episode closes with a performance of Mozart’s Turkish Rondo, transcribed for organ by ASO keyboardist Bob Mollard and arranger David Kempers.

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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 of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)

In Episode 8 of Unorchestrated, co-hosts Christopher and Tom talk with poet Rita Dove about string playing, ballroom dancing, and the process of writing - both music and poetry - with readings from her book, Sonata Mulattica. 

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

The episode closes with a performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto by the ASO and guest artist Feng Ning. 

Rita Dove is a Pulitzer Prize winner and 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 of Rita Dove by Fred Viebahn)