As part of his project to write ‘six sonatas for diverse instruments’, Debussy wrote the Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp in 1915, immediately creating a new classic instrumental combination. The programme also includes Ibert’s homage to the Debussy trio and Ravel’s Sonatine, skilfully arranged for the same forces.

EPSG:4326

The Hallé – Chamber Series: Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp

The Bridgewater Hall

Chamber Series: Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp

Hallé St Peter's

Not only a composer but also a conductor and pianist, in this concert Thomas Adès showcases all three roles. Adès’ own Mazurkas were written for Emmanuel Ax, to celebrate the bicentenary of Chopin – modern, spiky and rhythmically fractured, it will be a special experience to hear them played by the composer. Janáček’s Concertino for piano and small ensemble was written in 1925 and two years later, he added a commentary to the work. He described the first movement as a ‘grumpy hedgehog’ and the second as a ‘fidgety squirrel’, the atmosphere of the third like a ‘night owl and other night animals’ and the last, ‘a fairy-tale, where everybody is arguing’. Benny Goodman, the ‘King of Swing’, was the inspiration behind Bartók’s Contrasts and the first performance was given by him, Goodman and the violinist Joseph Szigeti. The first dance is followed by a much more introspective, relaxed Pihenö, while the final movement is a frenzied, rhythmic whirlwind.

Chris Emerson

Events

Past events

Dec 6, 2025

The Hallé – Chamber Series: Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp · The Bridgewater Hall

Dec 6, 2025

Chamber Series: Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp · The Hallé

Future and recently performed repertoire

Viola in Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp by Debussy

The Hallé

Viola in Trio of flute, viola and harp by Debussy

The Bridgewater Hall

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