Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), under the spell of Robert and Clara Schumann whom he met in 1853, is a remarkable illustrator of German romanticism, permeated with Hoffman’s fantastic tales and Scandinavian landscapes. His musical garden, differing grom his contemporary the great Wagner, consists of classical symphonies, sonatas and quartets, and he gained recognition with his powerful lyricism, communicative energy and continuous renewal of melodic inspiration. Although his music was seldom played in France until the 1960s, his works are now regularly performed and enjoyed.

The Nuits Romantiques will include, in addition for familiar masterpieces (Double Concerto for violin and cello, Hungarian dances), more intimate instrumental works : Lieder, late piano pieces, quartet and quintet, Liebeslieder waltzes for 4 hands. In addition, music by Beethoven, Schubert, Dvorak and Alban Berg, together with traditional Central European music, will provide some historical background.

Participating world-class musicians range from the flamboyant American conductor Laurence Foster to the most recent winner in the “young instrumentalists” category of the “Victoires de la Musique”, the viola player Antoine Tamestit, and include German violonist Isabelle Faust, French cellist Anne Gastinel and the wonderful Ebony Quartet with Donna Brown.

As always, we have also invited a selection of great pianists : Nelson Goerner, Jean-Marc Luisada, François-Frédéric Guy, Bertrand Chamayou and Jonas Vitaud. And the now traditional concert by young Savoyard musicians will introduce up-and-coming musical talent. Our Nuits will be more Romantic than ever !