Beethoven mostly

Nordby Church, Fanø. Tuesday 29th July 2025 at 7.30 pm

SINGLE TICKETS All-inclusive Festival Ticket KR. 700,-

Ludwig van Beethoven: String Trio in C minor, Op.9  No.3

Francois Devienne: Quartet for bassoon, violin, viola and cello in G minor, Op. 73

Beethoven mostly

Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Trio in C minor, Op. 9 No. 3, is one of his most dramatic and forward-looking early chamber works. Written in 1797–98, during his formative years in Vienna, the trio belongs to a set of three string trios that Beethoven regarded with particular pride, seeing them as a significant step toward mastering the larger forms later showcased in his string quartets.

The choice of C minor is telling: it was a key of great personal significance for Beethoven, one he would later use for some of his most emotionally charged works, including the famous Fifth Symphony. As in that symphony, the C minor Trio opens with an arresting effect — a sudden dynamic sweep from soft to loud, immediately pulling the listener into its tense and vivid world. The first movement is full of sharp contrasts and dramatic gestures, creating a sense of constant motion and heightened expression.

The slow second movement shifts into C major, but the music carries an unexpected gravity, avoiding the bright serenity often associated with the key. The Scherzo follows with dark, skittering energy, its unsettled rhythms offering little respite. Finally, the Presto finale rushes forward in a restless stream, almost like a torrent of fleeting, loosely connected ideas, propelling the work toward its fiery conclusion.

Full of youthful brilliance yet already displaying Beethoven’s powerful individuality, this trio stands as a bridge between the Classical style he inherited and the revolutionary spirit he would soon unleash.

François Devienne (1759–1803) was one of the most celebrated wind players of his time, known both as a virtuoso flutist and a gifted bassoonist. Often called the “French Mozart” for his lightness of touch and elegant style, Devienne was a central figure in Parisian musical life around the time of the French Revolution. He was a founding professor at the newly established Paris Conservatoire and composed a vast body of works that showed off the expressive potential of wind instruments.

The Quartet in G minor, Op. 73 for bassoon, violin, viola, and cello reveals Devienne’s flair for combining graceful lyricism with lively interplay between voices. Written in the final years of his life, the piece showcases the bassoon not just as a supporting bass instrument but as a fully singing voice, engaging in true conversation with the strings. The choice of G minor — a key often associated with drama and intensity — brings a slightly darker emotional color to the music, though the overall tone remains polished and full of charm.

Balancing virtuosic passages with flowing melodies, this quartet offers a rare spotlight for the bassoon in the chamber music repertoire and highlights Devienne’s skill at blending Classical style with a distinctive French elegance.

Beethoven mostly
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Trio in C minor, Op.9  No.3
I. Allegro con spirito
II. Adagio con espressione
III. Scherzo. Allegro molto e vivace  – Trio
IV. Finale. Presto

Francois Devienne: Quartet for bassoon, violin, viola and cello in G minor, Op. 73
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Rondo: Allegretto

The ensemble for this concert features a roster of distinguished musicians, each bringing their unique artistry and expertise to the performance.

Tim Crawford (violin) is a versatile and accomplished violinist, celebrated for his engaging performances and dedication to both contemporary and traditional repertoire. Crawford’s contributions to the chamber music scene have been widely praised, and his ability to communicate with both audiences and fellow musicians is a hallmark of his artistry.

Michel Camille (viola) brings a wealth of experience and a profound musicality to the ensemble. As an accomplished violist and the Artistic Director of the Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival, Camille’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the festival’s artistic direction.

Philip Graham (cello) is known for his rich tone and deeply expressive playing, which have made him a sought-after collaborator in chamber music settings. His thoughtful musicianship and sensitivity to ensemble playing bring a distinctive warmth and depth to every performance.

Antti Salovaara (bassoon) is a dynamic and versatile bassoonist, recognized for his agility, expressive range, and commitment to expanding the bassoon’s role in chamber music. Salovaara’s artistry combines technical brilliance with a keen sense of musical dialogue, enriching the ensemble’s sound with both subtlety and character.

Tim Crawford – violin, Michel Camille – viola, Philip Skye Graham – cello, Antti Salovaara – bassoon