Five distinguished chamber musicians come together to perform both of Brahms's string quintets in a single evening, with a short work by George Benjamin placed between the two main pieces.
Brahms wrote his String Quintet No. 1 Op. 88 at the age of 49, roughly the midpoint of his chamber music output. He described it to Clara Schumann as 'one of my finest works' and told his publisher he had never sent him anything so beautiful. String Quintet No. 2 Op. 111 followed in 1890; Brahms had initially intended it as his final composition, yet it brims with rhythmic vitality and thematic richness across all four movements.
Both quintets reflect Brahms's deep engagement with Classical form and his mastery of motivic development, inheriting the legacy of Palestrina, Bach, and Beethoven while forging a distinctive harmonic language. They are technically demanding works, their tightly woven movements unfolding with an almost irresistible rhythmic momentum.
Before the interval, the programme includes George Benjamin's short duet for two violas, Viola, Viola, performed by Antoine Tamestit and Sào Soulez Larivière.
The performers are: James Ehnes and Alexandra Preucil (violin), Antoine Tamestit and Sào Soulez Larivière (viola), and Christian Poltéra (cello). The concert begins at 20:00 at Mogens Dahl Koncertsal.
Lineup
James Ehnes
James Ehnes is a Canadian violinist, and hearing him live is a highlight for any classical music lover. Celebrated for his technical brilliance and warm, expressive tone, he performs with major orchestras worldwide and has won multiple Grammy and Juno Awards. Catch a concert for an unforgettable evening.
Alexandra Preucil
Alexandra Preucil is a violinist, and that's about all I can say with confidence. I don't have verified details about her notable works, recordings, or career milestones, so I'd rather not invent any. Here is a description that sticks to what I can support: Discover the artistry of Alexandra Preucil, a violinist whose performances bring classical music to life. Concertgoers can expect expressive playing and refined musicianship. Check local concert listings and orchestra programs for upcoming appearances near you. I can revise this if you share her background, affiliations, or repertoire.
Antoine Tamestit
Antoine Tamestit is a French violist renowned for his rich tone and adventurous repertoire. A prize winner at major competitions, he performs worldwide as soloist and chamber musician. Catch a concert to experience classical and contemporary works brought vividly to life on the viola.
Sào Soulez Larivière
I can't verify who Sào Soulez Larivière is, so I'm not going to invent a genre, works, or a location. The name suggests a French-linked creative, perhaps connected to the Soulez Larivière family, but that is only a guess. Here is a short, safe description that stays within the facts I have: Sào Soulez Larivière is a creative artist whose name carries a distinctive Franco-Vietnamese flavor. Visitors curious about contemporary art and culture can seek out exhibitions, gallery listings, or studio events to discover this artist's work firsthand. If you can tell me the artist's medium, notable works, or base city, I can write a more specific, engaging travel-guide-style description.
Christian Poltéra
Christian Poltéra is a acclaimed Swiss cellist, and experiencing one of his concerts is a highlight for any music lover. Known for his warm tone and refined artistry, he performs classical and 20th-century repertoire with leading orchestras and chamber partners, offering audiences an intimate, memorable evening.
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