Monday at Last with octet

In Monday at Last, violinist Cecilia Zilliacus and cellist Kati Raitinen welcome guest performers and present both newer and older works. Here, an octet takes over Grünewald Hall with music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Beethoven and Sebastian Fagerlund. 

Finnish Sebastian Fagerlund (born 1972) has become established as one of Europe’s most prominent composers of his generation. Several major orchestras, prominent conductors and musicians all over the world have commissioned and performed works by Fagerlund. At this concert, we hear the octet entitled Autumn Equinox.

“Send my septet into the world a little faster – for the masses await it,” wrote Beethoven to his publisher in 1802. A notation manuscript of the septet had started to circulate before it was published – and demand was intense. After the world premiere, the piece was an immediate hit – in fact, it was Beethoven’s most popular work in his lifetime. And it is certainly easy to understand why; this music has an immediate magnetism and delightful charm. It is still one of the most popular chamber music pieces for a bigger ensemble.

Please note that the previously announced piece by Vivaldi has been cancelled.