Andantino
5th Chamber Concert / Richard Strauss: Sextet for strings from the opera »Capriccio« op. 85 / Franz Schubert: Sonata for violin and piano in A Major op. post. 162 D 574 / Camille Saint-Saëns: Piano Quartet No. 2 in B-flat Major op. 41
Alter Saal
»Capriccio« is Richard Strauss’ last work for the stage. Premiered in October 1942, the opera seemed a little out of touch with its time. The events take place in the happy world of the 18th century and the opera focuses on juxtaposing word and sound in a scholarly and courteous way, giving centre stage to the love of two young artists for a countess – all of that suggests »l’art pour l’art«, beauty for beauty’s sake. The opera starts with a sextet as its overture. Using the means of the late 19th century to describe the times of the late 18th century, the opera is staged for the first time in the mid-20th century.
Schubert’s violin sonata in A-major was published posthumous in 1851 and probably played at a so-called Schubertiade, referring to a happy evening full of music and entertainment the artist would spend with his friends. Its characteristic lyrics and rich palette reflect Schubert’s growing technical confidence in this genre.
Taking his inspiration from the developments in German chamber music, Camille Saint-Saëns wrote his piano quartet op. 41 in four movements and connected them by their motive: It’s music that skilfully combines Romantic nostalgia and Classical elegance.