Spotlight on Antoine Tamestit

Beguiling folk melodies in one of Dohnányi’s finest works, and a late Mozart trio of utter perfection.

Dohnányi lived and worked during a period of great musical change. His Serenade in C major blends Hungarian folk melodies and high Romantic style to intriguing effect. It also gives a tantalising glimpse into the musical future in its spiky, more modern-sounding third movement.

Mozart composed his Divertimento for string trio at a time of despair and financial struggle. He dedicated it to a friend who lent him money. Yet its rich, playful and constantly inventive quality belies its harsh circumstances, and it remains one of Mozart’s most treasured chamber works. Especially partial to the viola sound, Mozart played the viola in the Divertimento’s 1788 premiere.

Featured artist Antoine Tamestit follows in Mozart’s footsteps by playing the rewarding viola part of the Divertimento. He is joined for this piece and the Serenade by the outstanding James Ehnes and Andreas Brantelid on violin and cello.

Programme:
Ernő Dohnányi Serenade in C major
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Divertimento for string trio in E-flat major