Close-Up: Tutti in Threes

Every section of the orchestra has one or two principal players or leaders; the other orchestral musicians are called rank and file or tutti players, from the Italian word roughly meaning ‘all.’ As a rule, these musicians tend to shun the spotlight, but today’s concert is an exception. Six tutti wind players will perform in various combinations, assisted by pianist Jeroen Bal, with the number three running throughout as the common thread. One particularly unusual mixture of sounds will be heard in Beethoven’s unfinished – and seldom performed – Wind Quintet for oboe, bassoon and three horns. One of Anton Reicha’s twelve trios for two horns and bassoon is also on the programme. Glinka’s Trio pathétique is a piece that is perhaps more familiar to listeners. Written for clarinet, bassoon, and piano, it’s a beautifully balanced work characterised by restrained emotion. And finally, Poulenc’s exuberantly neo-classical Trio is very popular. Listeners will want to hear this piece again and again!

Musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra perform their own programmes in the Recital Hall as part of the Close-up chamber music series. Each of these concerts is unique and performed only once as part of the series. It’s the very best way to experience the individual qualities of the orchestral musicians! These intimate concerts are organised by the Friends of the Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.