KAMMERMUSIK im MuTh | 2025 — 26

The rich, resonant sound of the new fortepiano inspired Haydn to compose several piano trios, with the A major trio standing out for its whimsicality and dance-like cheerfulness. Camille Saint-Saëns is believed to have composed his lively and joyful F major trio as a response to a holiday spent in the Pyrenees. In stark contrast, Shostakovich’s C minor trio emerged from a period marked by personal turmoil: the death of his father, financial struggles, and illness. This emotionally charged second trio was dedicated to the memory of his dear friend Ivan Sollertinsky, who passed away at a young age. The Eggner Trio – three brothers, each a master of their craft – present a concert featuring these four vastly different trios.   Available with a subscription! Seats for this event are available with a CHAMBER MUSIC subscription – with 20% discount. Regular advance ticket sales start on 1 September.

What do all three compositions have in common? Rebelliousness, a sense of a new era, courage! Schumann’s renowned Piano Quintet was the first to pair the piano with a string quartet, setting a precedent for the genre. Anton von Webern’s quintet, though still echoing the influence of Brahms, already hints at the emerging tonal palette of a new musical era. Then comes the trailblazing Amy Beach, the first American woman composer to gain widespread recognition, whose works were performed and celebrated even during her own lifetime.

Bach’s works possess such profound brilliance and enduring fascination that the choice of instrument quickly fades in significance – especially given that Bach himself composed extensively across a wide range of instruments. Inspired by the timeless genius of Bach, Finnish accordion virtuoso Janne Rättyä crafted bold and unconventional arrangements of the composer’s works. His program also features the exquisite piano miniatures of Henri Dutilleux, along with Bartók’s spirited Romanian Folk Dances – the perfect prelude to the Hungarian flair of Brahms’ masterful string quintet finale. Available with a subscription! Seats for this event are available with a CHAMBER MUSIC subscription – with 20% discount. Regular advance ticket sales start on 1 September.  

Pianist Beatrice Berrut, joined by Benjamin Herzl, Benedict Mitterbauer and Matthias Bartolomey, traces the musical and emotional legacy of Johannes Brahms and his lifelong confidante, Clara Schumann. “Here again is one who comes as if sent from God!” she wrote in her diary when she and her husband Robert first ecnounctered the young Brahms. The following year, he composed his first piano trio, which he significantly revised in 1889. His Piano Quartet in G minor, premiered in 1861 with Clara Schumann at the piano, was an instant triumph.   Available with a subscription! Seats for this event are available with a CHAMBER MUSIC subscription – with 20% discount. Regular advance ticket sales start on 1 September.

Only the original lineup – no adaptations or rearrangements. This was the firm demand of the three musical adventurers, Daniel Ottensamer, Stephan Koncz and Christoph Traxler. The result is a complete anthology for clarinet trio, from which three pieces have been selected for an exciting journey. The journey begins with healing through the sounds of bel canto. Vincenzo Bellini enthusiast Mikhail Glinka almost cured himself after a breakdown in Italy by composing his Trio pathétique. Next, John Ireland transports us to Britain’s coast, complete with a sea shanty, before we reach the pinnacle with the trio titan Beethoven.   Available with a subscription! Seats for this event are available with a CHAMBER MUSIC subscription – with 20% discount. Regular advance ticket sales start on 1 September.

The later 'Liederfürst' reflects on the chromaticism of Mozart's Dissonance Quartet – and, in March 1813, at the age of 16, he composes a brilliant early work in just five days, bold and carefree in its harmonic choices. The 22-year-old Antonín Dvořák, driven by lovesickness, composes 18 songs, later setting 12 of them for string quartet 22 years thereafter. Similarly, Johannes Brahms struggled for years before finally composing his first string quartet, a work that he considered worthy of his own standards – destroying all previous attempts along the way the Minetti Quartet’s selection here offers a fascinating insight into the pursuit of excellence in chamber music. Available with a subscription! Seats for this event are available with a CHAMBER MUSIC subscription – with 20% discount. Regular advance ticket sales start on 1 September.