Hugo Wolf
»Italian Serenade« for two violins, viola and cello (1887)
Robert Schumann
Fugues on BACH (1845-46) arranged for string ensemble by Xaver Paul Thoma (2013) Selection
Igor Strawinsky
»Suite Italienne« for cello and string orchestra (1925) arranged by Raphael Wallfisch (2007)
Peter Tschaikowsky
»Souvenir de Florence« (1890-92)
- Bonian Tian Violoncello
- Gürzenich-Kammerorchester
- Torsten Janicke Conductor
It’s always the same question: What should you bring home as a souvenir? Peter Tchaikovsky only completed his “souvenir” from Florence in Russia, a great string sextet in which belcanto and homesickness, the rushing Arno River and swift fugues reach out to each other. Igor Stravinsky worked his memories of Italy several times into homages to his composer forefather Pergolesi and the ribald jester Pulcinella, who also wreaks havoc in this “Suite italienne”. Schumann is also recollecting in his fugues, albeit the great BACH. Three souvenirs that will never simply collect dust.
