Copy of "Music of Longing"

In the program:

John Dowland – Songs "If my complaints could passions move" and "Flow my tears" (Version for strings and viola)
Benjamin Britten – "Lachrymae" (Tears), Reflections on a Song of Dowland for solo viola and strings, op. 48
Henry Vieuxtemps – Elegy for viola and strings, op. 30

Gabriel Fauré – Nocturne from the "Shylock" Suite, op. 57
Antonín Dvořák – Serenade in E Major for string orchestra, op. 22

Diemut Poppen – Viola
Gevorg Gharabekyan – Conductor
Chamber Orchestra I TEMPI

A deep longing for something unattainable, distant – what instrument could better express this feeling than the viola with its sublime, warm sound? The emotion of longing in all its nuances accompanies us throughout the entire concert program.

The concert opens with the two songs "If my complaints could passions move" and "Flow my tears" (also known as "Lachrymae") by Renaissance composer John Dowland (1563-1626), in a version for viola and strings. Dowland explores the pain of a disappointed love in these songs. This is contrasted with "Lachrymae, Reflections on a Song of Dowland" by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) for solo viola and strings. Britten "reflects" on these two Dowland songs in ten variations. Another moving piece for viola and strings follows – the "Elegy" by Belgian composer Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881). It was composed by Vieuxtemps as a tribute to his deceased friend, the violinist Charles de Bériot.

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) underscored the enchanting Nocturne from the stage music of "Shylock," depicting the nighttime love scene of Jessica and Lorenzo in the moonlit garden. With these delicately shimmering string sounds, I TEMPI introduces the second part of the concert. As a powerful conclusion, Antonín Dvořák's (1841-1904) Serenade in E Major resonates. This rightfully popular gem of literature for string orchestra is a touching synthesis of Czech folk music with Romanticism. The Serenade captivates with its colorfulness and ingenious compositional ideas.