Marc-André Hamelin & Anthony Marwood & Martin Fröst

Polygamy in chamber music is something we heartily approve of. Unexpected combinations of musicians often result in the most delightful surprises. Pianist Marc-André Hamelin, violinist Anthony Marwood (who made his name as a member of the former Florestan Trio) and clarinettist Martin Fröst are all popular soloists. Having worked together a number of times by chance at summer festivals, they have now decided to tour together. They have put together an original programme with duos and trios around the central work: 'Contrasts' by Béla Bartók. This work was originally commissioned by the Hungarian-American star violinist Joseph Szigeti and the jazz clarinettist Benny Goodman. As part of his preparation, Bartók listened to several of Goodman's records in order to familiarise himself with his playing technique. 'Contrasts' really swings, even though it didn't turn out as a jazzy composition. Bartók mainly let himself be swept along by snappy marching rhythms ('verbunkos'), atmospheric melodies and hopping dance steps from Hungarian folk music.