Beethoven’s string trios, written in 1797/8 when Beethoven was still in his 20s and very much under the influence of both Haydn and Mozart, are entrancing but far less well known than his quartets. However, they are seen as a bridge between the classical works of his teachers and his own more revolutionary approach in those later quartets.
Joanna Ly, Kirsten Jenson and Dorothea Vogel first performed the trios at one of last year’s Islington Festival’s delightful Coffee Concerts. So delightful were they that we thought Salon Music supporters might like to hear them too.
To quote the LVBeethoven.com site:
‘The pathway from trio to quartet represents an evolutionary stride, both in the structure of chamber music and Beethoven’s own compositional style. The string trios, specifically those from Opus 3, Opus 8 (Serenade), and Opus 9, are significant as they highlight Beethoven’s early experimentation with forms and motifs…..
….Unlike many of the works contemporaries might have relegated to mere salon music, Beethoven’s trios demanded a high level of technical proficiency and interpretative skill….. The intimate ensemble requires each musician to both lead and support, bringing out the trios’ rich harmonic dialogues… None of the instruments overshadow the others, allowing for a vibrant interplay.’
Kirsten, Dorothea and Jo are all keen chamber music players – and belong to chamber music and baroque groups across Europe as well as playing in more mainstream orchestras. They are also old friends which makes this concert especial fun for them as well as us!
As always, a buffet supper will follow the concert.
To book for 11th March – Beethoven String Trios Opus 9, no.1 & no. 2 – go here.
Meanwhile, a last chance to join our Shakespeare in Music Festival fundraising party on Saturday 14th.
Music from Bloomsbury Baroque and the Painted Fall – lots of delicious cheese and bubbly – and the chance to sign up early for festival tickets (20-23rd April) or become a ‘Founder Friend’.
Email me if you would like to join us – 6.30pm at Hampstead Lane.
Then at the end of the month….
Sunday 22nd March – Highgate Society Lunchtime concert
Our own Declan Hickey and fellow guitarist Micheal Matthews gallop from Australia to Brazil in their pursuit of exciting guitar music.
£15 to include a glass of Bucks fizz – book here.
And the very next day – ‘The Master’ on March 23rd at Hampstead Lane…
William Godfree (aka Donald Swann) will be talking about Noel Coward’s amazingly star spangled life – and singing all of those classic songs: Mad Dogs and Englishmen; Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs Worthington; I’ll see you again; I’ve been to a marvellous party and many more.
Followed by a mid century buffet…. More of that delicious Coronation Chicken?
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