LIGHTS AND SHADOWS

Allegra Winter begins with a concert that will immerse you in the world of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdi and Johannes Brahms – beloved romantic composers, both born in Hamburg, 24 years apart, yet united by their reverence for the music of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdi is one of the brightest figures of 19th-century music, combining classical clarity of form with Romantic sensibility. His cycle Three String Quartets, Op. 44 was composed at the age of 28–29, when Mendelssohn was already an established musician, conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, and internationally renowned pianist and composer.

Quartet No. 3, written during his honeymoon, is pure music of light – warm, harmonious, lyrical, and intimate. Without extreme contrasts or demonstrative pathos, it radiates calm and assured beauty and spiritual nobility, revealing Mendelssohn in his most authentic form.

Brahms was the same age as Mendelssohn when he composed his Piano Quartet No. 1 – already an established composer and pianist. The work blends dramatically dark and intimate moments with lyrical beauty, culminating in the passionate Rondo alla Zingarese – a whirlwind of rhythm and virtuosity that captivates the audience from the first to the last note. The orchestral breadth and depth of expression explain why Schoenberg later chose this quartet for orchestral adaptation.

The virtuoso performers Emanuil Ivanov – piano, Valeriy Sokolov – violin, Lora Markova – violin, Paul Ziantara – viola, and Barna Károly – cello will bring to life the richness and nuances of Romantic chamber music, creating an unforgettable evening for all lovers of classical music.

This is a unique opportunity to experience live the genius of two great composers, feel the magic of Romanticism, and enjoy exceptional virtuosity and emotional depth.