IM ZIRKUS (IN THE CIRCUS)

Ensemble Phoen vividly captures the multifaceted and magical world of the circus through music. Their performance not only pays homage to the artistry of the circus but also celebrates the enduring musical inspiration that artists and composers have drawn from the captivating circus ring over the centuries.

Charlie Chaplin, who composed music for the circus he loved so much, and Nino Rota, who skilfully wove circus music’s tonal structures into film scores starting in the 1950s, exemplify the deep bond between the circus realm and musical creativity. Ensemble Phoen, comprising four saxophones and a pianist, carries on this tradition by reviving the circus spirit through their performance. They adeptly weave selected film clips into their musical experience, creating a captivating visual accompaniment.

The programme ranges from Ernst Toch’s “The Juggler” for piano to Igor Stravinsky’s “Circus Polka for a Little Elephant”, also for piano, and Charlie Chaplin’s emotive “Smile”. Nino Rota’s music for “La Strada, Il Circo” and other Fellini films expresses the tonal diversity and emotional depth of circus music. Arnold Zamarin’s “A Clown’s Trick” and Viola Falk’s “Traurigkeit und Heiterkeit in Zweisamkeit” (Shared sadness and serenity) complement the programme with modern interpretations and reflections on life in the circus.