AMATIS in China
AMATIS in China
No.8 - 八​​​​
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​A Celebration of Fortune and Music​
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​​​​​In many cultures, the number eight å…« (8) symbolizes prosperity and infinite possibilities. This program brings together three remarkable Opus 8 piano trios, each reflecting the brilliance of its composer. Chopin’s Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 8 (1829) is an early gem, full of lyrical elegance and youthful energy. Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 8 (1923), written at just 16, offers a glimpse into his emerging genius with its passionate intensity. Everything culminates with Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8—a masterpiece balancing youthful romanticism with the depth of his mature style. Three Opus 8 trios, three unique voices—united by the power of music and the promise of fortune.
Frédéric Chopin – Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 8 [30mins]
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Dmitri Shostakoivch - Piano Trio No.1, Op.8 [13mins]
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-- interval --
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Johannes Brahms - Piano Trio No.1, Op.8 [35mins]
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Classics of Vienna​
Vienna, the heart of classical music, has given the world some of its most cherished masterpieces. Few ensembles bring these works to life as vividly as the Amatis Trio, renowned for their refined, daring and fresh interpretations of the Viennese Classics.
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In this program, they explore the elegance, innovation, and emotional depth of three great composers. Haydn’s Piano Trio in C major sparkles with wit and charm, embodying his role as the father of the piano trio. Beethoven’s Op. 1, No. 1 is bold and ambitious, marking the dawn of his unique voice in music. After the interval, Schubert’s Piano Trio in B-flat major unfolds in sweeping lyricism, blending joy and melancholy with unmistakable Viennese grace.
A journey through Vienna’s rich musical legacy, performed by a trio celebrated for their mastery of its finest traditions.
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Joseph Haydn - Piano Trio in C major, Hob. XV:27 [18mins]
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Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Trio Op.1, No.1 [30mins]
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-- interval --
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Franz Schubert - Piano Trio No.1 in B-flat major, D. 898
A Trip to Vienna​
Join us for an enchanting trip to Vienna, the city of music, where we’ll explore the timeless works of its master composers. This program celebrates Vienna’s rich musical heritage, from the foundational genius of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven—whose works shaped the "classical" tradition—to the romantic allure of Brahms, capturing the city’s poetic soul. Delight in the charm of café culture melodies and the elegant salon pieces of Kreisler, alongside Schubert’s profound reflections, echoing Vienna’s philosophical spirit. We’ll venture into the cinematic glamour of Korngold, whose Viennese roots influenced Hollywood. Come waltz with us through Vienna’s storied past and vibrant legacy.
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Joseph Haydn - Piano Trio "Gypsy" in G major, Hob. XV:25 [14mins]
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Franz Schubert - Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, D. 929 - II. Andante con moto [10mins] ​
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Erich Korngold - Piano Trio No.1, Op.8 - II. [7mins]
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Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Trio Op.1, No.1 - IV. Finale [10mins]
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--interval--​​
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Fritz Kreisler - Liebesleid for Violin and Piano [5mins]
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Trio KV 502 [20mins]
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Johannes Brahms - Piano Trio No.3 [20mins]​​​
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--encore--
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Kriesler - Minitures [5mins]
400 Years in Music
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Spanning four centuries and four different eras of music, this program traces the evolution of the piano trio, showcasing how composers across eras have reimagined this intimate ensemble.
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The journey begins with Haydn’s Piano Trio in C major, Hob. XV:27, a work full of elegance and wit from the father of the piano trio. From there, we leap forward to Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 8, an early work brimming with youthful intensity and emotional depth.
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At the heart of the program is a brand-new trio by Andrea Tarrodi, commissioned by some of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls, bringing a fresh and contemporary voice to this rich tradition.
The evening concludes with Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1, Op. 49, a Romantic masterpiece that fuses passion, lyricism, and dazzling virtuosity.
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From classical elegance and romantic heart to modern innovation, this concert is a tribute to the enduring power of music through the centuries.
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Joseph Haydn Piano Trio Hob. XV:27 [18mins]
Dmitry Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 1, op. 8 [13mins]
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-- interval --
Andrea Tarrodi "Moorlands" - (commission Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, Konzerthaus Dortmund, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Kölner Philharmonie (KölnMusik) & ECHO) [8mins]
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Piano Trio no. 1, op. 49 [30mins]
Romantic Roots
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Franz Schubert - Piano Trio No. 1 in B-Dur, op. 99, D. 898 [43’]
Franz Schubert's Piano Trio No. 1, composed in 1827, encapsulates a pivotal moment in the shift from Classical to Romantic music. Departing from the formal constraints of the Classical period, Schubert introduces an emotional depth, harmonic daring and lyrical expressiveness that characterises the emerging Romantic era. The second movement, Andante un poco mosso, is particularly noteworthy for its extended, introspective dialogue among the instruments, breaking away from Classical symmetry and paving the way for the emotive richness that would define Romantic compositions. Schubert's Op. 99 serves as a compelling bridge between two musical epochs, showcasing the evolution towards a more personal and expressive musical language.
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— interval --
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Franz Liszt - Tristia (La Vallée d'Obermann) for Piano Trio, S. 378c [16’]
Franz Liszt's "Tristia (La Vallée d'Obermann) for Piano Trio" reflects the pioneering spirit of Liszt's symphonic poems and his transformative approach to composition that epitomises the Romantic era. Originally part of the suite "Années de pèlerinage," Liszt's arrangement for piano trio (S. 378c) retains the profound emotional depth and narrative quality of the original piano work. Liszt, a key figure in the Romantic movement, pioneered the symphonic poem—a genre that aimed to convey extra-musical ideas and stories through music. "Tristia" exemplifies this approach, translating the melancholic beauty of "La Vallée d'Obermann" into a chamber setting.
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy - Piano Trio Nr. 2 in c-Moll, op. 66 [30’]
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66, is a prime example of Romanticism's expressive power. Composed in 1845, this piece incorporates classical forms with intense emotional depth. The opening movement immerses the listener in a stormy atmosphere, a hallmark of Romantic expression. Mendelssohn employs rich harmonies and dynamic contrasts, embracing the turbulence associated with the Romantic movement. The second movement, a lyrical Andante, demonstrates Mendelssohn's talent for crafting soulful melodies, with an emphasis on individual expression and introspection. Throughout the trio, Mendelssohn's innovative use of form and ability to evoke a wide range of emotions make this work an exquisite example of Romantic-era chamber music, embodying the period's ethos of passion and poetic exploration.