Anniversary concert of the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin

Franz Schubert’s Octet has a direct model in Beethoven’s Septet, which was very popular at the time. Schubert merely added a second violin to its instrumentation, so that his ensemble comprises a complete string quartet plus double bass, horn, clarinet and bassoon. The Octet is one of the most beautiful chamber music works ever written. Through its sonority and the mixture of timbres of string and wind instruments, it creates an almost orchestral effect. Schubert himself considered it one of the pieces he wrote which “paved the way towards a grand symphony”. The composition ties in with the tradition of the serenade through melodic exuberance and dance-like rhythms – at the same time, Schubert transcends its character as an entertainment through lyrical expressiveness and emotional depth.

Contemporary compositions have played a major role for the Scharoun Ensemble from the very beginning. In addition to their signature piece, the members will present a world premiere and a German premiere at their 40th anniversary concert. David Philip Hefti, who studied under Wolfgang Rihm among others, wrote Des Zaubers Spuren as a “homage to the music of Franz Schubert”. It is not only linked to Schubert’s Octet by the same instrumentation. As the Swiss composer explained, it is also related to it “atmospherically, harmonically, motivically and structurally”. Brett Dean, who was a violist with the Berliner Philharmoniker for many years, is one of the most respected composers in the classical world today. In his new piece for soprano and octet Ich lausche und ich höre, the vocal part is performed by Sarah Aristidou. A distinguished interpreter of (not only) contemporary music, she has performed numerous works as the dedicatee and as the soloist at the premiere.

Scharoun Ensemble Berlin

Sarah Aristidou