Ensemble Contraste

Hugo Meder, violin
Arnaud Thorette, viola
Raphaël Jouan, cello

A journey to the far reaches of Central Europe, this program explores that “Slavic soul” so often imagined: vibrant, nostalgic, spirited, and interwoven with song, dance, and melancholy. From Dvořák to Dohnányi, Borodin, Vecsey, Glière, and Bartók, the composers paint a world where folk rhythms surface and melodies emerge, brimming with fervor and memories. A few unexpected highlights enter into dialogue with this universe: Beethoven’s “Allegretto alla Polacca” and John Williams’s “Schindler’s List.” Finally, selected passages from Mozart’s Divertimento remind us how classical grace can bridge folk traditions with great chamber music. A journey of contrasts, colors, and emotions—a breath of fresh air from the East, the cradle of the Slavic soul. 

Program:

Ludwig van Beethoven 
Allegretto alla polacca, extrait de la Sérénade pour trio à cordes en rémajeur, op. 8

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 
Divertimento en mi bémol majeur, K. 563 (Allegro, Menuetto, Andante, Allegro)

Anton Dvořák
Humoresque n° 7 en sol bémol majeur, op. 101 n° 7, B. 187

Franz von Vecsey
Valse triste

Béla Bartók
3 Duos (13/14/26)

Reinhold Glière 
Berceuse (opus 39)

Alexandre Borodine 
Trio à cordes en sol mineur 

John Williams  
« Thème de La Liste de Schindler », extrait de Three Pieces from Schindler’s List

Ernst von Dohnányi
Trio « Sérénade » en ut majeur, op. 10 (Marcia, RomanzaRondo)

Bis :
Vittorio Monti
Csardas