Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra at Festspielhaus Baden‐Baden

About the Event

In recent years, visitors to the Festspielhaus have been fortunate enough to witness the exceptional talent of Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili. A resident of Germany, Batiashvili has become a regular performer at the venue, and on this occasion, she has brought along cellist Maximiliam Hornung as her partner in a captivating duo performance. Together, they bring to life a composition that serves as a symbol of reconciliation.

The piece that Batiashvili and Hornung perform is Johannes Brahms' Double Concerto for violin, cello, and orchestra. This concerto carries a significant backstory, as it was born out of a long‐standing dispute between Brahms and his friend Joachim. In the composition, the cello represents Brahms himself, while the violin embodies Joachim. Through the music, one can easily perceive the tensions and disagreements that plagued their friendship, as Brahms presents exaggerated and grumbling motifs in the bass sections. However, as the concerto progresses, an unexpected turn takes place.

In the slow movement, for instance, a sense of unity emerges between the violin and the cello, indicating a path towards reconciliation. Despite the work being in a minor key, Brahms, in his own unique way, manages to infuse elements of humor into the composition. This further underscores the irony and complexity of the reconciliation process within the music.

Overall, the performance by Batiashvili and Hornung promises to be an engaging and thought‐provoking experience. With their mastery and deep understanding of Brahms' Double Concerto, they demonstrate the power of music to transcend personal conflicts and explore themes of unity and reconciliation.