Encounter with City’s Talent – German Romanticism

Overview

Beethoven - String Trio in E-flat major, Op. 3
Brahms - String Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 51
Mendelssohn - String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20

Beethoven, Brahms, and Mendelssohn, not only were representative composers of the Romantic period, but also outstanding German composers. In the upcoming concert, the Hong Kong String Orchestra will collaborate with Zhang Yi, a nationally acclaimed violinist from China, to present a splendid performance in the form of chamber music.

Among the various combinations of chamber music, we have selected string trios, quartets, and octets, featuring the most representative German composers of the Romantic period— Beethoven, Brahms, and Mendelssohn.

During the Romantic era of the 19th century, chamber music underwent significant changes. Old aristocratic salons, such as the "Camera", declined and were replaced by the middle-class salons where music lovers thrived. The lifestyle of professional musicians underwent profound transformations. Following the French Revolution, the aristocracy gradually diminished, and the emerging middle class took the stage of history. The middle class became the main patrons and audience of music, and concert halls as venues for musical performances gradually emerged in the public eye. Composers were no longer confined by the aristocracy and were free to create the music they desired, resulting in works that became increasingly free-spirited and expansive. Until today, chamber music remains one of the most favored forms among composers in the classical music world, continuing to bring forth intriguing works for the audience to enjoy.

Production

Presented by      Hong Kong String Orchestra

Supported by     Hong Kong Arts Development Council

Sponsored by    The Tung Foundation, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Venue Partner   Shaw Auditorium, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology