A String-Focused Program
Thomas Dausgaard and the Seattle Symphony welcome an ensemble of international instrumentalists for an electrifying program of Paul Hindemith, Dvorak and Schubert, beginning with Hindemith's String Trio No. 1. The prolific German expressionist composer's atonal-leaning work evokes a perfect balance between each part, using almost constant contrapuntal movement, as well as fugue and canon techniques, with an energetic, refreshing spirit.
This is followed by Dvorak's Wind Serenade in D minor, an homage to Mozart and the heyday of the serenade genre in 18th century classical music as well as a tribute to the Czech folk music of his heritage, filled with soaring dance forms and sophisticated arrangements. The evening closes with a performance of Schubert's Death and the Maiden, a heartfelt exploration of the composer's own mortality. Written in his final years, its deep sorrow, stark drama and soul-stirring emotional depth mark it as a masterwork amongst quartets.