Concert Four

'The first performance anywhere in the world of the complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies took place during the composer’s lifetime in 1825, performed by the Gewandhaus Orchestra. Around 30 years prior, Beethoven had composed his Sextet in E flat for horn duo and string quartet. An early composition in Beethoven’s oeuvre, the Sextet’s virtuosic horn parts foreshadow the prominent role the composer would assign to the instrument in his symphonies. 

The horn also features prominently in Kleine Kammermusik Op. 24, No. 2 for wind quintet, the second in a collection of 8 chamber music compositions entitled “Kammermusik” written by Hindemith in the 1920s for various ensembles. The first ever recording of Kleine Kammermusik Op. 24 No. 2 was by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Wind Quintet in 1925, released at the time on two 78-rpm records. 

Before succeeding Mendelssohn as music director of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, Danish composer Niels Gade conducted the premiere of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with soloist Ferdinand David and the Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1845. Gade’s Octet was composed shortly after Mendelssohn’s death, and it might well be a tribute to his friend and mentor, as Mendelssohn’s influence is instantly recognisable.'

– Tahlia Petrosian, Curator

Yun-Jin Cho
Violin

Karl Heinrich Niebuhr
Violin

Tahlia Petrosian
Curator and Viola

Axel von Huene
Cello

Burak Marlali
Double Bass

Edgar Hesske
Clarinet

Axel Benoit
Bassoon

Simen Fegran
Horn

Ludwig van Beethoven
Sextet in E flat, Op. 81b (16′)

Paul Hindemith
Kleine Kammermusik for Wind Quintet, Op. 24 No. 2 (13′)

Niels Gade
String Octet in F, Op. 17 (35′)