Shin Sihan & Nikola Meeuwsen

It is one of the most curious pieces of music ever written: the FAE Sonata. Brahms, Schumann and his pupil Albert Dietrich composed the sonata as a gift for Joseph Joachim, one of the most important violinists of his time. The three composers incorporated Joachim’s life motto ‘Frei aber einsam’ (free but lonely) by hiding the notes F-A-E in the piece. At the first performance, Joachim had to guess who had composed which part, which he managed with great ease. Schumann incorporated his contribution shortly afterwards in his Third Violin Sonata. Brahms’ part is still frequently performed as a stand-alone piece. A whole performance of the FAE sonata, however, is quite rare. So this is a great opportunity: three composers for the price of one! Shin Sihan, who previously impressed us with Bartók’s second Violin Sonata, now takes on the first, a work in which Bartók stands on the threshold of a new era and a new sound. Milhaud’s Cinéma-fantaisie Le Boeuf sur le toit is a virtuoso, festive piece inspired by music the composer had heard in Brazil.

Hear Here!

Because we want to give you the opportunity to hear as much classical music as possible. You can buy concerts in bulk with a nice discount! When you buy at least four “Hoor bij ons” aka “Hear Here” concerts, you receive € 5 discount on these concerts and for all future concerts the entire season. This discount is connected to your e-mailadres. In order for this to work your first purchase must be the serie via this link.