Kammermusik am Picassoplatz

The Beethoven Year 2027 provides an opportunity to look beyond his great symphonies and focus on the instrumental diversity of his oeuvre. At the heart of this concert are two works that demonstrate Beethoven’s flair for mixed ensembles and the sonic possibilities of wind instruments. The Trio in C major presents a rare combination of oboe, clarinet and bassoon. Originally conceived for two oboes and an English horn, in this instrumentation it reveals a dense, almost symphonic interweaving of the parts. This is contrasted by the Septet in E flat major, one of the most successful works of the composer’s lifetime. In combining string and wind instruments, Beethoven created a model for Viennese chamber music that captivates with its formal clarity and concertante spirit.