Magnard and Brahms' Passion

Albéric Magnard (1865-1914): Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano in D minor, Op. 8
I. Modéré
II. Très vif
III. Lent
IV. Animé

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): Piano Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 26
I. Allegro non troppo
II. Poco adagio
III. Scherzo: Poco allegro
IV. Allegro

Performers: Kerstin Thiele (flute), David Daniel Dinu (oboe), Ron Chen-Zion (clarinet), Sofia Obando (bassoon), Valdemar Wenzel Most (piano), Juliette Roos (violin), Michel Camille (viola), Pau Codina (cello)

The nineteenth concert of Fanø Festival 2026 presents two remarkable chamber music masterpieces united by emotional depth, lyrical richness, and an extraordinary sense of scale. Performed by an outstanding international ensemble, the programme pairs the rarely heard wind quintet of French composer Albéric Magnard with one of the most expansive and life-affirming chamber works by Johannes Brahms.

The concert opens with Albéric Magnard's Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano in D minor, Op. 8, a work that stands among the finest achievements of French chamber music. Magnard occupies a unique place in musical history. Often referred to as the "French Bruckner", he combined symphonic ambition and structural strength with a deeply personal and expressive musical voice. Independent by nature and uncompromising in his artistic ideals, he created music distinguished by integrity, nobility, and emotional sincerity.

Completed in 1894, the Quintet reveals Magnard's remarkable mastery of instrumental colour and form. The unusual combination of winds and piano allows each instrument to emerge with its own personality while contributing to a richly balanced ensemble sound. The opening movement unfolds with broad melodic lines and dramatic intensity.