Johann Sebastian Bach:
Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007
Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor , BWV 1008
Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009
***
Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat major, BWV 1010
Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011
Oh, my Bach!
It happened. What we all feared from day one, but hoped to avoid. We did all that we could, but the virus that managed to put the whole world under its reign, once more proved its crown is a powerful omen, ruling over everything we do these days, Festival Maribor's programme schedule no exception.
Lawrence Power, the eagerly anticipated third of our "all-star trio" is not being able to attend the festival due to the pandemic travel restrictions. So, we are deeply saddened to announce that our
An Evening for Beethoven programme, scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd has to be altered.
As the capricious goddess Fortuna seems to be shunning us, we have turned to another deity for help. The authority supreme of musical Olymp, no less. Johann Sebastian Bach.
A concert programme dedicated entirely to his cello-suites, nicknamed »The Old testament of cello literature« for their immense impact on classical music, is no doubt a more than worthy replacement, and a wonderful gift to all chamber music devotees! Especially with Nicolas Altstaedt as a soloist. A virtuoso, whose mesmerising interpretation of Bach's masterpieces have won him international acclaim, didn't hesitate for a moment to jump in, proving once more his absolute commitment to Art and Music.
Thank you, Nicolas! Thank you from our hearts! We are grateful to have you in our Festival Maribor family, and we appreciate your willingness to step in on such short notice.
We are positive that you, our audience, will appreciate it as well. As one critic described Altstaedt's Bach Cello suites performance: »When he plays, as a listener one realises immediately: he has something to say!« So let's listen and hear what messages the musical deities have for us! It must be one of optimism and gratefulness for having such wonderful music and musicians helping us through these difficult times!
Originally announced programme
An Evening for Beethoven
Vilde Frang, Violin
Lawrence Power, Viola
Nicolas Altstaedt, Cello
Ludwig van Beethoven:
Serenade in D major for Violin, Viola and Cello, Op. 8
String Trio No. 5 in C minor, Op. 9, No. 3
***
String Trio No. 3 in G major, Op. 9, No. 1
The greatness of Beethoven’s art cannot be measured solely by the monumentality of his symphonic works alone – chamber music enthusiasts will surely agree that he made his greatest lasting impact on that more intimate genre. It is radical, expressive and often violent music that descends into the depths of the human spirit and intellect. Before he began composing his groundbreaking string quartets, however, Beethoven wrote a series of interesting compositions for smaller string ensembles. Among them are five trios in which he explored the instruments’ capabilities while seeking new compositional paths. As a result of this experimental spirit, Beethoven’s compositions for string trio differ quite strikingly from each other in character and intent.
Unravelling such a diverse and yet organically connected collection of works from the early part of Beethoven’s career is a task that must not be taken lightly by performers. An experienced string trio,
Vilde Frang, Lawrence Power and Nicolas Altstaedt have gained penetrating insight into these works having performed them over the years. They will show Festival Maribor listeners that the ray of genius shines even upon the smallest crumbs – all it takes is a resonant spirit of equal genius.
*
Tickets: 20 € / Senior 16 € / Students, Disability 10 €
Discounted tickets can be purchased at the Information office of Narodni dom Maribor or at the concert venue up to an hour before the concert.
