Charles Ives [1874–1954]
“Unanswered Question” for strings, woodwinds and solo trumpet

Johann Sebastian Bach [1685–1750]
From “The Art of Fugue”
Contrapunctus I and Contrapunctus XI for string quartet

Ludwig van Beethoven [1770–1827]
Great Fugue, Op. 133 in B flat major for string quartet

*** Intermission ***

Claudio Monteverdi [1567–1643]
Four madrigals arranged for brass quintet by Raymond Mase

Anton Webern [1883–1945]
Slow Movement for string quartet

from: Five Pieces, Op. 5 for string quartet
IV Very Slow

John Cage [1912–1992]
“Living Room Music” for percussion and speech quartet (1940)
1. To begin
2. Story
3. Melody
4. End

This chamber concert focuses on upheavals and new beginnings in music: everything new develops from something that came before. But where and how exactly does it begin? Are there concrete landmarks? We embark on a search for clues with and in works by Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Anton von Webern, John Cage and Charles Ives.

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Inspired by productions from the opera repertoire, the orchestra's musicians put together six dramaturgically conceived programmes that are unparalleled in Berlin in terms of their musical range. From solo violin to songs to percussion ensembles, you will experience surprising concerts that are charmingly and knowledgeably moderated by our curating colleagues.