Bach and the Mendelssohn Family

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In this programme, curated by Jean Paterson, something of a new departure for IT&T, we look at J.S.Bach through the eyes of the Mendelssohn family. Alongside a selection of short fugues from The Art of Fugue, and an arrangement by Mozart of a Bach fugue, we include the lovely Romance from Fanny Mendelssohn’s string quartet.

The centrepiece of the evening is Felix Mendelssohn’s astonishing string quintet in A major Op 18, which has all the energy, beauty and invention of his famous Octet. The programme is a recreation of the ‘Sonntagsmusiken’, domestic concerts organised by Felix’s remarkable sister Fanny, said to be as accomplished as her brother as a composer and pianist.

Programme

J.S Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge, Contrapuncti 1, 4 and 9

Fanny Mendelssohn: ‘Romance’ from String quartet in Eflat

Bach arr. Mozart: Fugue in D major (after BWV 874)

Felix Mendelssohn String Quintet in A major Op18

Performers

Violins: Caroline Balding and Jean Paterson

Violas: Rachel Byrt and Vanessa McNaught

Cello: Gabriel Amherst