Scottish Ensemble: Chamber Notes

Scottish Ensemble: Chamber Notes

With guest director Marianne Thorsen (violin)

Felix Mendelssohn                                                                 
String Octet in E-flat major
                                                                       
George Enescu                       
Octet for Strings in C major      

Although written for just eight instruments, both of these sophisticated works have the drama, richness and depth of a full-blown symphony. They also make for an excellently contrasting pair. From Mendelssohn’s exuberant opening bars, we’re swept through music that is impressively complex yet captivatingly, joyously melodic throughout, whilst Enescu’s is moody, breathlessly dramatic, and, in parts, simply volcanic.

Guest directed by Marianne Thorsen - a passionate chamber musician - at this concert Scottish Ensemble explore the specific charm of seeing a small group of musicians performing live. With fewer instruments, the fabric of the music becomes more tangible, subtle shifts in mood may have a new-found presence, and pieces you think you know well might offer surprising new colours when heard live. With fewer musicians, it’s easier to follow their individual paths and witness the beautiful alchemy of eight artists creating something together.
               
Norwegian violinist Marianne Thorsen is an acclaimed soloist and passionate chamber music. Former leader of the Nash Ensemble, she regularly performs with Norway’s Trondheim Soloists, one of the founding ensembles of The Bridge network and festival.

Scottish Ensemble (SE) is Scotland’s pioneering string orchestra; a collective of outstanding musicians, championing music for strings across Scotland, the UK and the world. Celebrating 50 years, across its 2019/20 Anniversary Season SE presents thought-provoking programmes and events that cross genres, styles, musical periods and art forms to shed new light on classical music - and the many ways it can be shared.