Champagne Sonata

Beethoven was famous as a matchless improviser. From a single theme he could create an entire musical universe - and this evening Wolfgang Plagge takes up the challenge. Maria Włoszczowska and Dénes Várjon open with the sparkling "Champagne Sonata", before Wolfgang takes his place at the piano. Beethoven was also a fantastic composer of variations. Amy Norrington and Nikita Khnykin show how one of Handel's most famous themes can be transformed into virtuosic chamber music in Beethoven's hands. The Engegård Quartet concludes the first festival weekend with String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4 - a passionate and dramatic work that points ahead to the Beethoven we meet in the next chapter. Programme: Violin Sonata Op. 30 in G major, “Champagne Sonata” - Maria Włoszczowska and Dénes Várjon Für Elise, Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor (WoO 59) - Wolfgang Plagge Impro à la Beethoven - Wolfgang Plagge Interval Variations on "See the conqu'ring hero comes" (from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus), WoO 45 - Amy Norrington and Nikita Khnykin String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18 No. 4 - Engegård Quartet

• Maria Włoszczowska
• Dénes Várjon
• Wolfgang Plagge
• Amy Norrington
• Nikita Khnykin