Close-up: Schubert and Widmann
Schubert’s Octet for wind and string instruments, and Widmann’s answer
Concertgebouw Orchestra musicians perform octets by Franz Schubert and Jörg Widmann in the Recital Hall
At the heart of this energetic work is the third movement, a song without words.
Concert programme
-
Jörg Widmann
Octet
-
Franz Schubert
Octet, D. 803
Performers
About this concert
Schubert’s Octet, for three wind and five string instruments, was composed 200 years ago, in 1824. The instrumentation was completely new at the time. With its large-scale structure comprising six movements, the work looks ahead to subsequent developments, but the music never for a moment feels heavy, its light and lilting quality always prevailing.
Clarinettist and composer Jörg Widmann is uniquely able to bridge the gap between our confusing modern age and the past. His Octet is directly inspired by Schubert’s. At the heart of this energetic work is the third movement, a song without words – a direct reference to Schubert, who wrote songs throughout his short life, even when composing instrumental music.
Musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra perform their own programmes in the Recital Hall as part of the Close-up chamber music series. Each of these concerts is unique and performed only once as part of the series. It’s the very best way to experience the individual qualities of the orchestral musicians! These intimate concerts are organised by the Friends of the Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Dates and tickets
About this concert
Schubert’s Octet, for three wind and five string instruments, was composed 200 years ago, in 1824. The instrumentation was completely new at the time. With its large-scale structure comprising six movements, the work looks ahead to subsequent developments, but the music never for a moment feels heavy, its light and lilting quality always prevailing.
Clarinettist and composer Jörg Widmann is uniquely able to bridge the gap between our confusing modern age and the past. His Octet is directly inspired by Schubert’s. At the heart of this energetic work is the third movement, a song without words – a direct reference to Schubert, who wrote songs throughout his short life, even when composing instrumental music.
Musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra perform their own programmes in the Recital Hall as part of the Close-up chamber music series. Each of these concerts is unique and performed only once as part of the series. It’s the very best way to experience the individual qualities of the orchestral musicians! These intimate concerts are organised by the Friends of the Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.