Dohnányi String Sextet in B flat Major, W080
33This string sextet by Ernő Dohnányi for 2 violins, 2 violas, and 2 cellos, is an extremely rarely performed work. In fact, this performance was the American premiere of the work. (brought to us by the 1st violist in the group, Peter Barsony from Hungary)
I would describe this work to be both beautifully strange, and strangely beautiful. The unique flavors and quirkiness fill out every corner, while being so romantically rich. By the end, even though it probably is unfamiliar being so rarely performed, you just cannot help but feel its masterful excitement. However, underneath the fun and crowd-pleasing excitement, you can tell Dohnányi has tremendous admiration of great composers that came before him, and have studied their scores diligently. It is so well structured in every movement, and throughout the piece, you get reminded of the joyful lightness of Mendelssohn, the emotionally reflective depth of late Beethoven works, the warmth and yearning of Brahms, richness of Tchaikovsky, and so much more. Oh, not to forget, the menacing of... probably himself. (particularly Trio II in the 2nd movement, reminds me of a Disney ride...)
It was very proud for us to have claimed the American premiere of such a masterful work. We had merely 4 days to put it together from the moment we sat down and found out what it sounded like, so excuse that it isn't the most polished performance. But I think the enjoyment and passion we felt playing the piece do come through, and a few... good phrases here and there... :)
Movements:
1. Allegro ma tranquillo
2. Scherzo: Allegro vivace
3. Adagio quasi andante
4. Finale: Animato
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