A programme for string trio dedicated to the atmosphere of Vienna, its unique musical aura permeated with the spirit of Mozart and Schubert, heard through the lenses of Russo German master Alfred Schnittke and British composer Nick Martin.

Alfred Schnittke’s String Trio, written to mark the centenary of Alban Berg, is explicitly redolent of vanished Viennese culture containing his uniquely drawn visions of despair, irony, violence and nostalgia, casting a powerful spell over even the most sceptical of listeners.

Alongside we give the world premiere of a new work of exquisite beauty by Nick Martin, the inspiration for which is taken from a letter from 25 year old Edith Södergran to the writer Hagar Olson, and which reveals an impassioned poet searching for deep intimacy:

‘I want you to see me as I really am and show yourself to me as you really are. Could we become divine companions , so that all barriers fall away? …Are you that sea of fire I want to dive into?”

We surround these two works with music by the great Viennese composer Franz Schubert - three songs newly arranged for string trio and his great String Trio in Bb major D581.

Eloisa Fleur Thom (violin) Luba Tunnicliffe (viola) Clare O’Connell (cello)

Schubert: Three songs

Schnittke: String trio

Nick Martin: Eldhav

Schubert: String Trio D.581 in Bb major

This concert's commission has been generously supported by the Francis Routh Trust