The Queen’s Hall Series
Supported by Edinburgh International Festival Benefactors
Photo Eric Larrayadieu
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Nachtmusique Mozart Horn Duos K487 Divertimentos for three basset horns K439b Adagio for clarinet and three basset horns K580a Allegro for two clarinets and three basset horns K484b Adagio for two clarinets and three basset horns K411 Overture to The Magic Flute (arr. Heidenreich) Serenade in B flat K361 ‘Gran Partita’
An all-Mozart programme exploring the composer’s glorious music for wind ensemble, performed by the outstanding period-instrument group Nachtmusique. The ensemble is drawn from Europe’s most respected wind players, and brings its concert to a resounding conclusion with one of the most virtuostic and high-spirited works in the wind repertoire. Mozart’s ‘Gran Partita’ Serenade is grand in every sense, with its almost orchestral scoring for 12 wind instruments and double bass and a remarkable depth of expression, from the playful to the profound. In the first half, Nachtmusique reveals Mozart’s love affair with the newly invented clarinet and the basset horn, a precursor to the clarinet with a rich, dark sound, in short pieces full of radiant melody and effortless charm. ‘music-making on a level that is rarely heard!’ Gazzetta del Sud This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
Christophe Rousset Harpsichord Les Talens Lyriques Couperin 7e Ordre from Pièces de clavecin L’Apothéose de Corelli L’Apothéose de Lully
The French harpsichordist and conductor Christophe Rousset has long made the Baroque music of France his speciality, in ravishing performances that mix poise with expressive intensity, and which have attracted worldwide acclaim. He performs one of François Couperin’s books of short pieces for solo harpsichord, in which the composer takes evocative musical snapshots of the world around him, from a growing child to an elegant monastery and the simple joys of life. Rousset will play on the one of the finest harpsichords in the world, the Goermans/Taskin harpsichord, generously loaned by the Russell Collection at the University of Edinburgh. Built in Paris in 1764, the instrument is famous for its rich and sophisticated sound, and is ideally suited to the music of Couperin. Rousset is joined by his celebrated period-instrument ensemble Les Talens Lyriques for two storytelling chamber works by Couperin. In l’Apothéose de Corelli and l’Apothéose de lully, Couperin describes both influential composers’ ascents to heavenly Mount Parnassus in affectionate tributes to French and Italian musical styles. ‘les Talens lyriques are among the most stylish of Baroque ensembles, while Rousset himself is an exquisite performer.’ The Guardian This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
Tuesday 20 August 11.00am
Supported by
Wednesday 21 August 11.00am
Supported by
The Queen’s Hall
Frank Hitchman
The Queen’s Hall
Dr and Mrs George Sypert
Tickets £29 £26 £21 £17.50 £11 £8
Tickets £29 £26 £21 £17.50 £11 £8
1 hour 45 minutes approximately
1 hour 45 minutes approximately
eif.co.uk/nachtmusique
eif.co.uk/rousset