Exotic Inspirations
Concert
The mandolin has a long, though often underestimated, tradition in classical music. Since the 18th century, it has found its place in both courtly and chamber music contexts. In the 19th century, the instrument receded somewhat into the background. It was not until the 20th and 21st centuries that contemporary composers rediscovered the mandolin’s rhythmic flexibility, its clear contours, and its percussive lightness. At the same time, virtuoso soloists—including the internationally acclaimed Avi Avital—helped bring the instrument back to international concert stages. The concert begins with a composition by Hummel featuring an unusually colorful ensemble. The impressionist music of Debussy and Ravel inspires expansive, coloristic arrangements and establishes a direct connection to the mandolin’s sonic world. The bright, colorful impressions of the first part of the program are contrasted by Haydn’s emotionally dense, dramatic “Sturm und Drang” style, to which two impressionistic tributes to him provide a beautiful contrast. Finally, the program turns to the elegance of the French Chanson.
Translated with DeepL
