The Bach Family and Their Heritage
 

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784)
Sinfonia in F major "Dissonant" F. 67
I. Vivace
II. Andante
III. Allegro
IV. Menuet Nr. 1 & Menuet Nr. 2

Clémence de Forceville, Jiska Lambrecht, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty, Anna Brugger, Andreas Fleck, Lars Schaper, Sebastian Wienand

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788)
Sonata in A minor
for Solo Flute Wq. 132
I. Poco adagio
II. Allegro
III. Allegro

Jacques Zoon

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major BWV 1050​​​​​​​
I. Allegro
II. Affetuoso
III. Allegro

Clémence de Forceville, Jiska Lambrecht, Markus Fleck, Andreas Fleck, Lars Schaper, Jacques Zoon, Sebastian Wienand

Hanns Eisler (1898–1962)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
for String Trio Op. 46
I. Präludium
II. Fuge

Clémence de Forceville, Anna Brugger, Patrick Moriarty

Arnold Schönberg (1874–1951)
Transfigured Night Op. 4
for string sextet
Gwendolyn Masin, Jiska Lambrecht, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty, Benedict Klöckner, Patrick Moriarty
​​​​​​​

Musicians
Flute: Jacques Zoon
Cembalo: Sebastian Wienand
Violin: Clémence Deforceville, Jiska Lambrecht, Gina Maria McGuinness, Gwendolyn Masin
Viola: Anna Brugger, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty
Cello: Andreas Fleck, Benedict Klöckner, Patrick Moriarty
Double Bass: Lars Schaper
CHAARTS Chamber Artists
 

Johann Sebastian Bach was a hard worker. He worked hard at being a good composer, but also at being a good father. Of the twenty children he fathered, four became composers. Two of them feature in the first half of the programme alongside the grand master. Their music was celebrated during their lifetimes, and they enjoyed success not only because of their surname, but because of the quality of their music.

Not infrequently, the connection between teacher and student is as strong as the blood tie. Teachers sometimes regard their students as extended family, just as students in turn regard their teachers as mentors, thereby carrying the bond forward. Theodor Adorno said of Hanns Eisler that he was "the true representative of the young generation of Arnold Schönberg's students and, moreover, one of the most gifted of all young composers..."

The familial reference in Schönberg's Verklärte Nacht is inspired by Richard Dehmel’s poem on which the work is based. It tells of a woman who, in gnawing uncertainty about her family future, goes into the forest and emerges strengthened as a mother and wife.
 

Ticket price: CHF 60.–/50.–

Students/KulturLegi: CHF 15.–

The Mendelssohn Siblings
 

6.45–7.15 p.m.: Concert introduction by Markus Fleck
 

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809–1847)
String Quintet No. 2 in B flat major Op. 87
I. Allegro vivace
II. Andante scherzando
III. Adagio e lento
IV. Allegro molto vivace

Gwendolyn Masin, Jiska Lambrecht, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty, Benedict Klöckner

Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805–1847)
Piano Quartet in A flat major Op. 11​​​​​​​
I. Allegro moderato
II. Larghetto
III. Tempo di minuetto

Abigel Kralik, Anna Brugger, Flurin Cuonz, Vera Kooper

Felix Mendelssohn
Piano Sextet in D major Op. 110
I. Allegro vivace
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto. Agitato
IV. Allegro vivace

Kirill Troussov, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty, Patrick Moriarty, Lars Schaper, Alexandra Troussova
 

Musicians
Violine: Abigel Kralik, Jiska Lambrecht, Gina Maria McGuinness, Gwendolyn Masin, Kirill Troussov
Viola: Anna Brugger, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty
Cello: Benedict Klöckner, Patrick Moriarty
Double Bass: Lars Schaper
Piano: Vera Kooper, Alexandra Troussova
 

Siblings raised as equals was a rarity in the 19th century, but Fanny and her younger brother Felix Mendelssohn both enjoyed a rich education from their parents. Fanny, like Felix, was praised and recognised for her musical talents. The values of the time, however, meant that the family was reluctant to support Fanny's desire to publish her works. The fact that Fanny could not "compete" with her brother on the compositional playing field was in good part the result of social prejudices and patriarchal customs of her time. Fortunately, times have changed, and scholars are interested not only in Fanny's phenomenally gifted brother, but in her as well. This concert presents both siblings at eye level.
 

Ticket price: CHF 60.–/50.–

Students/KulturLegi: CHF 15.–
Children up to 12 years accompanied by an adult: CHF 5.–

The Mozart and Smetana Families
 

Leopold Mozart (1719–1787) / Wolfgang Amadé Mozart (1756–1791)
Minuets from “Nannerl's Music Book”

Minuet in F (Leopold Mozart)

Minuet in D (Copiest L. Mozart, composed by W.A. Mozart)
A piano version of Menuet I from Violin Sonata No. 2 in D, K. 7

Minuet in F (Copiest L. Mozart, composed by W.A. Mozart)
A piano version of the third movement of Leopold's Serenade in D and Minuet II from the third movement of Wolfgang's Violin Sonata No. 1 in C

Vera Kooper

Wolfgang Amadé Mozart (1756–1791)
Duo for Violin and Viola in G major K. 423
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Rondeau. Allegro

Kirill Troussov, Markus Fleck

Franz Xaver Mozart (1791–1844)
Songs for baritone and piano
An den Abendstern op. 27/1
Klage an den Mond op. 9/3
Der Schmetterling auf einem Vergissmeinnicht op. 9/4
Das Finden op. 27/2

Wolf Matthias Friedrich, Vera Kooper

Wolfgang Amadé Mozart (1756–1791)
Abendempfindung KV 523

Wolf Matthias Friedrich, Vera Kooper

"Per questa bella mano" 
Konzertarie für Bariton, Bass und Ensemble KV 612

Wolf Matthias Friedrich, Clémence de Forceville, Jiska Lambrecht, Martin Moriarty, Flurin Cuonz, Lars Schaper

Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884)
Souvenir de Bohême en forme de Polkas Op. 13
for piano

Alexandra Troussova

Kateřina Smetanová Kolářová (1827–1859)
Polka
for piano 

Alexandra Troussova

Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884)
Pensée Fugitive
for piano

Alexandra Troussova

Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884)
Piano Trio in G minor Op. 15
I. Moderato assai
II. Allegro, ma non agitato – Alternativo
a) Andante-Alternativo
b) Maestoso
III. Finale: Presto

Gwendolyn Masin, Benedict Klöckner, Vera Kooper
 

Musicians
Baritone: Wolf Matthias Friedrich
Violin: Clémence Deforceville, Jiska Lambrecht, Gwendolyn Masin, Kirill Troussov
Viola: Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty
Cello: Flurin Cuonz, Benedict Kloeckner
Piano: Vera Kooper, Alexandra Troussova
 

Families pass things down through generations. Leopold Mozart promoted the music education of his children and sacrificed his own career as a composer for it. He is remembered today above all as a great pedagogue, having written an important treatise on violin playing.

Collecting exercises for his daughter, whose nickname was “Nannerl”, Leopold penned exercises for her in a notebook, later copying down what four-year-old Wolfgang was composing. Our third concert at GAIA features excerpts from that notebook, which stem from Leopold’s imagination and that of his son, as the latter paid homage to his father.

Franz Xaver, Wolfgang’s son, in turn tried his hand at music, leaving behind approximately thirty works that are worth shining a light on.

The Czech composer Bedřich Smetana occupies a prominent place in the history of his country, as his musical style is closely connected with the efforts of cultural and political renewal, as well as the independence of the Czech Republic. His best-known orchestral work is "Má vlast" (From My Homeland), but his grand musical style was not only evident in his works for large ensembles. His works for solo instruments and chamber ensembles are equally evocative. His beloved wife Kateřina Kolářová was a pianist – one of her very few works is included in this programme.

Smetana’s young daughter Bedřiška, who showed signs of musical precocity, died of scarlet fever as a child. Smetana was deeply affected by this and dedicated his trio as an homage to her.
 

Ticket price: CHF 60.–/50.–

Students/KulturLegi: CHF 15.–
Children up to 12 years accompanied by an adult: CHF 5.–

The Families and Mentors, Wieniawski, Enescu and Ysaÿe
 

Józef Wieniawski (1837-1912)
Valse-Caprice Op. 46
for piano

Alexandra Troussova

Henryk Wieniawski (1835–1880)
Legend Op. 17
for violin and piano

Kirill Troussov, Alexandra Troussova

Henryk Wieniawski (1835–1880)
Polonaise de Concert No. 1 in D major Op.4
for violin and piano

Kirill Troussov, Alexandra Troussova

Irene Wienawska (alias Poldowksi) (1879–1932)
Tango
for violin and piano

Gwendolyn Masin, Vera Kooper

Irene Wienawska
Caledonian Market
for piano
I. Bloomsbury Waltz
II. Musical Box
III. Picture of Clowns

Jan Philip Schulze

Irene Wienawska
Mélodies sur des poésies de Paul Verlaine
for piano and soprano
Bruxelles – Crépuscule du soir mystique – Impression fausse – Spleen – Dansons la gigue

Rachel Harnisch, Jan Philip Schulze

George Enescu (1881–1955)
Sept Chansons de Clement Marot
for soprano and piano
I. Estreines à Anne
II. Languir me faits
III. Aux damoyselles paresseuses d’escrire à leurs amys
IV. Estrene de la rose
V. Présent de couleur blanche
VI. Changeons propos, c’est trop chanté d’amours …
VII. Du conflict en douleur

Rachel Harnisch, Jan Philip Schulze

Eugene Ysaÿe (1858–1931)
String Quintet in B minor
I. Grave – Lent et Soutenu. Allegro molto Tempo primo Molto vivo non troppo
II. Adagio – Lento. Très animè – Calando – Meno mosso – Poco piu Vivo. Vif

Gwendolyn Masin, Jiska Lambrecht, Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty, Patrick Moriarty
 

Musicians
Soprano: Rachel Harnisch
Violin: Abigel Kralik, Jiska Lambrecht, Gwendolyn Masin, Kirill Troussov
Viola: Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty
Cello: Patrick Moriarty
Piano: Vera Kooper, Jan Philip Schulze, Alexandra Troussova
 

Wieniawski was the teacher of Ysaÿe, who in turn was a teacher of Enescu. All were celebrated violinists and pedagogues from whom came many bravura pieces intended primarily for themselves.

Józef Wieniawski, as versatile as his brother Henryk, was celebrated as a unique piano talent. Unlike his brother, Józef's star has faded, and his works are performed far less frequently – unjustly so.
Perhaps burdened by the fame of her father Henryk, Irina Regina Wieniawska used male pseudonyms when publishing her works, most frequently the pseudonym "Poldowski." Her works, unlike those of her father and uncle, are experimental and exploratory, bolder, and more modern than her predecessors.

George Enescu, a student of Eugene Ysaÿe, was a phenomenon. He is considered by many to be one of the most significant talents of the last century. Although he was prolific as a composer, and some say as good a violinist as a pianist, there are only four works for voice in his oeuvre. One of these is the poetic "Sept Chanson de Clement Marot."

During the GAIA Festival, Ysaÿe's quintet, which was never printed and exists only as a handwritten original, will most likely receive a (Swiss) premiere 100 years after its composition.
 

Ticket price: CHF 60.–/50.–/40.–

Students/KulturLegi: CHF 15.–
Children up to 12 years accompanied by an adult: CHF 5.–

The Schumann Family and Johannes Brahms
 

Robert Schumann (1810–1858)
Album Leaf Op. 99, No. 4
for piano

Alexandra Troussova

Clara Schumann Wieck (1819–1896)
Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann Op. 20
for piano

Alexandra Troussova

Robert Schumann / Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
F-A-E Sonata
for violin and piano
II. Intermezzo (Schumann)
III. Scherzo (Brahms)
IV. Finale (Schumann)

Clémence de Forceville, Vera Kooper

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Hymn in Veneration of the “Great Joachim”
Waltz in A major for two violins and double bass (a musical joke)

Kirill Troussov, Abigel Kralik, Lars Schaper

Zoltán Kodaly (1882–1967)
Serenade Op. 12
for two violins and viola

Abigel Kralik, Ronald Masin, Martin Moriarty

Béla Bartók (1881–1945)
Duos for Two Violins
Nr. 26, 32, 35, 28, 17, 18, 10, 43, 44

Ronald Masin, Gwendolyn Masin

Johannes Brahms
String Quintet No. 2 in G major Op. 111
I. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
II. Adagio
III. Un poco Allegretto
IV. Vivace ma non troppo presto

Abigel Kralik, Gwendolyn Masin, Martin Moriarty, Markus Fleck, Benedict Klöckner
 

Musicians
Violin: Clémence Deforceville, Abigel Kralik, Gina Maria McGuinness, Gwendolyn Masin, Ronald Masin, Kirill Troussov
Viola: Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty
Cello: Benedict Klöckner
Bass: Lars Schaper
Piano: Vera Kooper, Alexandra Troussova
 

Among classical music composers, is there a more famous love story than that of Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms?

The story of Brahms, twenty years younger than Robert Schumann, is one that is rife with admiration, expectation, inspiration, loss, and longing. Schumann saw Brahms as the foremost talent of his generation. Together with Schumann's pupil Albert Dietrich, Brahms cowrote the four-movement F-A-E Sonata. The dedicatee was violinist Joseph Joachim, whose personal motto was "Frei aber einsam” (free but lonely). Schumann's wife, Clara Wieck, was a celebrated and influential pianist whose career spanned more than sixty years. She pioneered Schumann's works and continued to include them in her concert programmes after his death. To this day it is not known whether the love between Brahms and Clara Schumann was a platonic one.

Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók have much in common, both being considered leading figures in the history of music. Ronald Masin, Gwendolyn Masin's father was a student of André Gertler at the Brussels Conservatory. Wieniawski and Ysaÿe had previously taught at the Brussels Conservatory. Gertler, in turn, was a close musical confidant of Bartók. Masin performs with his students: violinist Gina McGuinness, who studied with the Masins for almost twenty years, as well as violist Martin Moriarty.
 

Ticket price: CHF 60.–/50.–

Students/KulturLegi: CHF 15.–
Children up to 12 years accompanied by an adult: CHF 5.–

The Dvořák and Suk Families
 

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)
Dumka and Furiant Op. 12, No. 1

Vera Kooper

Josef Suk (1874–1935)
Vesnická serenáda (Serenade Villageoise) for piano

Vera Kooper

Otilie Suková-Dvorakova (1878–1905)
Three Piano Pieces
I. Humoreske
II. Wiegenlied
III. Joschi auf dem Pferdchen

Vera Kooper

Antonín Dvořák
String Quintet No. 2 in G major
for two violins, viola, cello and double bass Op. 77 (1875)
I. Allegro con fuoco – Più mosso
II. Scherzo. Allegro vivace – Trio. L’istesso tempo, quasi allegretto
III. Poco andante – L’istesso tempo
IV. Finale. Allegro assai

Abigel Kralik, Jiska Lambrecht, Martin Moriarty, Flurin Cuonz, Lars Schaper

Josef Suk
Piano Quartet in A minor Op. 1
I. Allegro appassionato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro con fuoco

Kirill Troussov, Anna Brugger, Benedict Klöckner, Alexandra Troussova
​​​​​​​

Musicians
Violin: Abigel Kralik, Gina Maria McGuinness, Kirill Troussov
Viola: Markus Fleck, Martin Moriarty
Cello: Benedict Klöckner
Piano: Vera Kooper, Alexandra Troussova

A concert in honour of a father, his daughter and son-in-law. 

Josef Suk, the lesser-known composer of this programme, was a student of Dvořák. The latter had the greatest respect and a close relationship with his pupil, as evidenced by the marriage of his daughter Otilie to Suk. A work by Otilie will also be performed this evening. It is unclear whether she wrote any other works. While Dvořák is the most frequently performed composer in the Czech Republic, Suk's development into a significant composer was more restrained. The breakthrough to Suk's independent tonal language came only after the trauma of losing his father-in-law Dvořák and his wife within one year. He then dedicated the monumental symphony, “Asrael” to them. His piano quartet is an indulgent and enthusiastically musical work, typical of the Bohemian musical tradition.
 

Ticket price: CHF 60.–/50.–

Students/KulturLegi: CHF 15.–
Children up to 12 years accompanied by an adult: CHF 5.–