Passionate Romantic Robert Schumann regarded the horn as the soul of the orchestra; he marveled about this brass instrument's ability to be poignantly lyrical and jubilantly stirring at the same time. Thrilled about the long-awaited technical improvements to the wonder-horn, in the rousing atmosphere of Dresden's May Upraising, he eagerly began working on the Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra. Now, as then, only few are brave enough to answer Schumann's challenge to four soloists' individual mastery as well as their rapport and harmony.
Therefore we are especially proud of our outstanding horn players. In its turn, Viennese master Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94 is remembered for the prominent and uncommon role of timpani, which has given this lively, energetic opus an apt nickname - Surprise. Unpredictability and adventurous spirit permeates also the recent opus of German contemporary composer Philipp Maintz, who has been inspired by Berlin nightlife to create a musical painting of illusion collapsing into multicoloured fragments. Finally, the impressive soundscape of Italian avant-garde guru Luciano Berio, Requies, dedicated to the memory of his late wife, legendary singer Cathy Berberian; through the prism of remembrance it seems to recall a melody, playing hide and seek with light and shadow, diving into silence and rising in brilliant ecstasy.
Programme
Robert Schumann Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra, Op. 86
Luciano Berio Requires (in memoriam Cathy Berberian)
Philipp Maintz der zerfall einer illusion in farbige scherben for orchestra and accordion
Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 94 in G major, Hob.I:94 (Surprise)
Participants
Artūrs Šults, french horn
Guntis Kronītis, french horn
Kalvis Etkins, french horn
Miks Bankevics, french horn
Sinfonietta Rīga
Conductor Normunds Šnē
