Oslo Philharmonic Chamber Series Felix Mendelssohn
Huw Watkins

Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 44, No. 1

Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) wrote his fourth symphony, the Italian, in a bright and sparkling vein. To his sister he wrote: "The Italian symphony […] will be the jolliest piece I have ever done, especially the last movement." His String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 44, No. 1 was likewise composed during a happy period in his life. He was on his honeymoon as a newlywed, eagerly awaiting the birth of his daughter. The quartet therefore resembles the Italian Symphony in style: sparkling and full of energy.

Watkins: String Trio No. 2

Huw Watkins (b. 1976) shows that new music too can be romantic without being old-fashioned. He composed his String Trio No. 2 in 2024. The work consists of seven short movements, each with its own idea or "a note left hanging from the preceding one, and taking it in quite different directions." Between the three instruments, he sees relationships akin to those of a family. This is music that is easy to fall in love with.