Great Romantics **SOLD OUT**

Born into Croatian nobility and cosmopolitan influence, Dora Pejačević was a pioneer of fin de siècle sounds in her home country of Hungary. Though largely unknown for a century after her death – and rarely programmed in Australia – she is without doubt one of the most significant musical voices of the early twentieth century.

In Pejačević’s Piano Quintet, we hear the influence of Richard Strauss, one of her contemporaries: it’s rhapsodic, lyrical, opulent, luxuriantly harmonied and effusively Romantic.

Johannes Brahms’ Second Piano Trio is richly scored and equally expansive in character, at times intensely serious and restrained before giving way to moments of soaring lyricism. Each movement opens with octaves in the violin and cello, creating a focus point for the listener and a sense of unity across the trio’s contrasting sections. The folk-like melodies that infused much of Brahms’ work are particularly prominent in the second movement, a poignant theme and variations.

Brahms was uncharacteristically pleased with the trio, writing to his publisher, ‘You have not yet had such a beautiful trio from me and very likely have not published its equal in the last ten years.’

Part of the CSO’s 2022 Chamber Classics Series

Art is always a conversation, from playful repartee to the fragile vulnerability of a heart to heart. In the intimacy of chamber music, the audience is drawn into the dialogue: a witness to the delicate give and take.

Also in this series:

Chamber Classics: Night Music (25 September 2022)
Chamber Classics: Best of Brass (13 November 2022)

All CSO events are delivered in line with ACT Government COVID-safe requirements. Read more