A concert of musical marvels, minus the crashing chandelier. The Australian Haydn Ensemble returns with Haydn’s Quartet Op. 76 No. 6 in E-flat major, often nicknamed the Fantasia for its dreamlike slow movement. But it’s the whole quartet that dances with imagination, from joyful riffs in the opening to rhythm-defying tricks in the finale.
Schubert’s A minor Quartet (Rosamunde), now over 200 years old, still feels fresh, especially when played on gut strings. Its haunting Menuetto and the magical transformation of the Rosamunde theme are wonders of harmonic invention.
The Ensemble dips back to Purcell’s Fantasia in Four Parts No. 8, with its deliciously pungent counterpoint, before leaping into Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 in D major, nicknamed The Miracle (though the real chandelier incident came later!). This witty, high-spirited work overflows with charm, mischief, and stormy drama.
After music this exhilarating, anything’s possible, even a standing ovation-turned-mosh-pit. Just mind the ceiling!
2MBS Fine Music Sydney subscribers have an exclusive opportunity to win one of two double passes to see The Australian Haydn Ensemble on Sunday 24 August at 4pm, The Nielson, Pier 2/3. The Rocks.
For more information click HERE.