Blog Archives
6 BEETHOVEN LATE QUARTETS 2 [SOLD OUT]
Adès: Arcadiana, Op.12
Beethoven: Quartet in B-flat, Op.130 [Grosse Fuge]
Castalian Quartet
Beethoven was famously plagued with second thoughts and might mull on his ideas for years before finding their final form. The second of his late quartets is one of the most famous examples. Its original finale (the Grosse Fuge of its title) was so profoundly challenging to contemporary listeners and players alike that it divided even his most loyal and trusted supporters. Years later, Beethoven offered an alternative, but he never relinquished his belief in the original and it is this that the Castalian Quartet profoundly believe is the right way to end an astounding piece.
The Castalian Quartet have been living with Op.130 – and with Ades’ music – for many years and have inspired high praise for both. They came to ENF first in 2017 and were immediately reinvited having thrilled one critic to write ‘The revelation … was the silvery playing of the Castalians’ (The Arts Desk).
5 BEETHOVEN LATE QUARTETS I [SOLD OUT]
Mozart: Quintet in Gm, K.516
Beethoven: Quartet in E-flat, Op.127
Elias Quartet
Gary Pomeroy, viola
The big journey that runs through ENF 2025 begins here: four of the finest string quartets in the world come together to perform five of the greatest pieces ever written for this line-up. Beethoven’s late quartets are simply without equal. Written around 200 years ago, they take you into his wonderful inner world of deep thought, jokes, reflections, and not a few surprises. Transporting, absorbing, poignant and hilarious by turns, there are many passages of utterly arresting beauty. Each piece is totally different from the others but as a group they offer an incomparable listening experience, especially live, and especially when performed by these ensembles.
Most of the concerts pair Beethoven with a contrasting work – here, it is Mozart‘s G minor quintet: like all his works in that key, it has its brooding side, but also infectious humour and vitality.
The four string quartets involved in this cycle are those that have made the greatest impact at ENF over the past two decades. The Elias came first in 2010, and were such a hit that they returned in 2011, when The Scotsman wrote: ‘While it is unusual for an ensemble to feature at the East Neuk Festival in consecutive years, no-one was going to be disappointed that the exception would be a return visit by the young Elias Quartet.’ Since then, they have undertaken their own huge Beethoven project which you can read about at http://thebeethovenproject.com
4 SCHUBERT 1823 [NEWBY & MIDDLETON]
Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, D.795
James Newby, baritone
Joseph Middleton, piano
Few young singers inspire such critical acclaim as James Newby has enjoyed over the past decade: ‘Lieder is considered a rarefied pursuit. Yet when it’s delivered with the disarming openness of … James Newby it feels like the most direct form of expression there is … he has a wonderfully mellifluous tone, which he can deploy in a confessional whisper or an anguished cry’ (The Times). In partnership with Joseph Middleton, he brings us Die Schöne Müllerin [The Beautiful Miller Maid]. It is very much a young man’s affair – words and music by men in their mid-20s. Its subject? Love, jealousy and loss, the tale of a lad who falls for the girl who falls for someone else. It is rich in great melodies and piano writing that brings brooks, meadows and woods to life while vividly exploring the inner turmoil of the frustrated lover.
3 ‘ALL THINGS COUNTER, ORIGINAL, SPARE, STRANGE’
Join Festival Director Svend McEwan-Brown for an introductory session to the complete cycle of Beethoven’s late quartets which will run throughout the festival this year. Four of the very best quartets come together for this 20th Festival project – alphabetically (and from the top) Belcea, Castalian, Elias and Pavel Haas.
Take a look at the Late Quartets Blog for thoughts and insights from Svend as he explored these amazing pieces over the past year.
2 DIYANG MEI & FRIENDS
Sadly, Diyang Mei has had to withdraw from this concert. We are very grateful to Emma Wernig for stepping in at short notice, and to all 3 musicians for offering a revised programme .
Mozart: Kegelstatt Trio, K.498
Samazeuilh: Prélude and Forlane (Suite in Gm)
Chiyan Wong: Moving Stills
Bruno Mantovani: Bug
Stravinsky: Three pieces for solo clarinet
Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op.132
Emma Wernig, viola
Sergio Pires, clarinet
Chiyan Wong, piano
Sergio Pires
Chiyan Wong
1 OPENING CONCERT [SHIBE SCO MANZE]
Larsson: Pastoral Suite, Op.19
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
Schubert: Symphony No. 6 in C, D.589
Sean Shibe, guitar
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Andrew Manze, conductor
The SCO have appeared at every ENF, so who better to open this 20th Festival? Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze offers music telling of three very different places: rural Sweden, royal Spain and imperial Vienna. At its heart – perhaps the most famous piece ever written for guitar – Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. It was inspired by the palace and gardens as Rodrigo – blind from birth – experienced them: through touch, floral scents and the sounds of birdsong and fountains.
Guitarist Sean Shibe first came to ENF in 2012 shortly after winning the Gold Medal, First Prize, and String Prize at the prestigious Royal Overseas League Competition – a staggering achievement. Since then, his brilliant and thoughtful musicianship has taken him all over the world, winning a string of awards and the admiration of musicians and audiences alike. We are delighted to welcome him back for this concerto and a string of concerts on Saturday at which he will play lute and electric guitar as well as guitar.
Manze closes the concert with a joyful symphony with a poignant history. Schubert wrote it aged 21 and called it his ‘Great’ C Major. Nine years on he wrote another, which would be called ‘The Great’ C Major, but sadly the musicians found it impossible to play, so this earlier work was substituted and the later piece disappeared until decades after Schubert’s death.
Erskine Hall, Anstruther
ACCESS: There is flat/ramped access to the Erskine Hall which is all on one level.
TOILETS: There are disabled toilets within the building
PARKING: Parking on-street near the venue is very limited, but there are several car parks by the harbour, a 200m walk to the venue. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to park and please do so with consideration to others, especially the residents of Anstruther. Do not block access routes for emergency vehicles.
Dreel Halls
Crail Church Hall
ACCESS: Level access into and throughout the Hall.
TOILETS: There are standard male and female toilets in the church hall. For busy events, all those toilets may be reserved for ladies – gentlemen may use the portaloos behind the church. Please look for ENF signs or ask a steward which toilet regime is in place for which event.
PARKING: Most people park on-street near the church as directed by our stewards. Another car park lies behind the church, accessible from Bow Butts Road, from where a footpath leads you through the graveyard to the back of the church. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to park and please do so with consideration to others, especially Crail residents. Do not block access routes for emergency vehicles.
