Figures in the Garden - Wind Octets

Today, the term “Harmoniemusik” refers to an orchestra with a mixed lineup of woodwinds, brass, and percussionists. However, as early as the 18th century, its predecessor of the same name enjoyed great popularity—albeit in a much smaller sextet lineup consisting of two oboes, two bassoons, and two horns. In 1782, Emperor Joseph II founded the Imperial-Royal Harmony and expanded it to include two clarinets. The ensemble was considerably less expensive than an orchestra and could nevertheless be used in large concert halls and for outdoor events. It is therefore not surprising that Joseph II soon found imitators at numerous noble courts, including the Bonn court of Max Franz, Elector of Cologne. Shortly before his second trip to Vienna in 1792, Ludwig van Beethoven composed the Octet in E-flat Major for this ensemble. Like Mozart’s Wind Serenade No. 12, it transcends the traditional framework of “table music” intended for such ensembles—music that could be played in the background during banquets, receptions, and evening gatherings. Rather, the themes, sound, and treatment of the instruments aim for a symphonic effect. So get ready to experience the symphonic sound of the wind players from the “ Musikkollegium ” in Winterthur—and feel free to postpone your Sunday banquet until after the concert.

Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Serenade No. 12 in C minor, K. 388 “Nacht Musique”
Jonathan Dove - “Figures in the Garden” Serenade for Wind Octet based on music from Mozart’s opera “The Marriage of Figaro”
- INTERMISSION -
Ludwig van Beethoven - Octet for Winds in E-flat major, Op. 103

Cast
; Oboe: Leonid Surkov, Franziska van Ooyen;
; Clarinet: Sérgio Pires, Armon Stecher;
; Bassoon: Valeria Curti, Sevgi Varol;
; Horn: Kenneth Henderson, Jennifer Aynilian Druey;
; Conductor (Dove): Nils Erik Måseidvåg