As appealing as a solo concerto is, isn't a double concerto twice as interesting? Two soloists who pass the ball to each other, who compete, outdo each other, who come together for a pas de deux? This evening, two are simply twice as good: the soloists of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. Three concertos for two solo instruments are on the programme, composed by the baroque trio of Bach, Telemann and Vivaldi. Of his 50 or so concertos for two instruments, Vivaldi only composed one for two trumpets, a solitaire in the extensive catalogue of works by the virtuoso Venetian. Bach's double concerto BWV 1043 was also a one-off piece - anyone who writes for two writes exclusively. The evening will be led by the British harpsichordist and conductor Jonathan Cohen, who has made a name for himself not only with his own ensemble Arcangelo. He has toured with the Academy of Ancient Music as well as with William Christie's ensemble Les Arts Florissants, which has now appointed him Associate Conductor. Franz Schubert's Mozart-like 5th Symphony, probably the most mature of his early symphonic works, will be the delightful finale of this Baroque+ program.

EPSG:4326

pas de deux

Bertramstraße 8

When Ton Koopman plays the organ, anything is possible. Expect the highest level of ornamentation, verve and imagination, and fingers so nimble you wouldn't expect from a musician who's just turned 80. And what else can you expect? Magnificent music by Handel and Haydn, Koopman's secret star. "In Holland, Haydn is much more popular than Mozart because he's creative and witty," says Ton Koopman, the early music specialist both on the keyboard and on the conductor's podium. Haydn is also more difficult to play; you have to practice properly. "But it's beautiful music, and we have to promote Haydn. He deserves it!" Thus, his Symphony No. 80 is on the program, a work of the greatest wit, at times bizarrely humorous, always full of contrasts – a typical Koopman symphony. In this "Baroque+" program, the ever-so-sharp Dutchman contrasts Haydn with Handel: Handel's concertos are also virtuosic and original – and, with Ton Koopman at the organ, of a truly special, agile quality.

Florin Iliescu

Events

Upcoming events

14 - 15 May, 2026

Handel & Haydn · Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

Past events

16 - 17 May, 2024

pas de deux · hr-Sinfonieorchester

Future and recently performed repertoire

Violin in Keyboard Concerto in F major by Haydn

Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

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