Bach, Schubert & Kodály at Fanø Festival 2026
Sønderho Church, Fanø. Wednesday 22nd July 2026 at 7.30 pm
All-inclusive Festival Ticket KR. 700,-
Bach, Schubert & Kodály at Fanø Festival 2026
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009
I. Prelude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
IV. Sarabande
V. Bourrée I
VI. Bourrée II
VII. Bourrée II
VIII. Gigue
Franz Schubert (1797–1828): String Trio in B-flat major, D. 471
I. Allegro
Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967): Intermezzo for String Trio
Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967): Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7
I. Allegro serioso, non troppo
II. Adagio
III. Maestoso e largamente, ma non troppo lento — Presto
Pablo Hernán Benedí, violin · Pau Codina, cello · Michel Camille, viola
This concert explores more than two centuries of musical imagination, from the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach to the folk-inspired brilliance of Zoltán Kodály. Performed by three of Europe’s most distinguished chamber musicians – violinist Pablo Hernán Benedí, cellist Pau Codina, and violist Michel Camille – the programme combines Baroque mastery, Viennese lyricism, and the vibrant colours of Hungarian musical traditions.
Spanish violinist Pablo Hernán Benedí has established himself as one of the leading chamber musicians of his generation, appearing regularly at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe. Cellist Pau Codina is celebrated for the depth and intensity of his musicianship and has performed extensively as both soloist and chamber musician. Together with violist Michel Camille, founder and artistic director of Fanø Festival, they bring decades of international experience to this intimate chamber music performance in Sønderho Church.
The evening opens with Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, one of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire. Although written for a single instrument, the suite creates an astonishing richness of texture and expression. The radiant Prelude unfolds with a sense of optimism and grandeur, while the dance movements reveal Bach’s unparalleled ability to combine elegance, structure, and humanity. Nearly three centuries after their composition, the Cello Suites remain among the most influential works ever written for the instrument and continue to inspire musicians across the world.
Schubert’s String Trio in B-flat major, D. 471 provides a fascinating glimpse into the imagination of a young composer who would later transform the world of chamber music. Written when Schubert was still in his teens, the surviving Allegro already displays his gift for memorable melodies, subtle harmonic shifts, and natural instrumental dialogue. Although only a single movement survives, it stands as a remarkably complete and satisfying work in its own right.
The second half of the concert is devoted to the music of Zoltán Kodály, one of Hungary’s most important composers, educators, and ethnomusicologists. Alongside his friend and colleague Béla Bartók, Kodály undertook pioneering journeys into the Hungarian countryside to collect and preserve thousands of folk songs. These discoveries became a central inspiration for his music and helped shape a new musical language that combined national traditions with sophisticated modern composition.
Kodály’s Intermezzo for String Trio is a compact masterpiece, blending lyrical warmth, rhythmic vitality, and colourful instrumental writing. The work reflects the composer’s remarkable ability to create music that is both intellectually refined and immediately engaging.
The concert concludes with Kodály’s monumental Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7, composed in 1914 and widely regarded as one of the greatest chamber works ever written for the two instruments. Rich in folk-inspired melodies and powerful emotional contrasts, the Duo pushes both performers to their technical and expressive limits. The work moves from dramatic intensity and profound introspection to a thrilling conclusion of extraordinary energy and brilliance.
Set within the historic surroundings of Sønderho Church on Fanø, this concert offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class chamber music in one of Denmark’s most atmospheric venues. Combining Bach’s timeless craftsmanship, Schubert’s youthful genius, and Kodály’s vibrant musical imagination, the programme promises an evening of exceptional artistry and unforgettable musical storytelling.
Venue: Sønderho Church, Fanø
Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026, 7:30 pm
Festival: Bach, Schubert & Kodály at Fanø Festival 2026 / Klassisk Sommer Festival