Semmler, von Rahden & Emanuilova

Henja Semmler, violin
Simone von Rahden, viola
Antoaneta Emanuilova, cello

Ludwig van Beethoven: String Trio in E-flat major, op. 3
Wolfgang Amadé Mozart: String Trio in E-flat major, KV 563

Both works share the key of E-flat major and an unusual six-movement structure. KV 563 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of 18th-century string trio writing; Beethoven's op. 3 was his first major bid to establish himself as a composer in Vienna - he explicitly modelled it on Mozart's masterpiece, studying and extending its style. Placing Beethoven first on the programme makes clear that Mozart's work remains, despite everything, a "piece for eternity".

Henja Semmler, Simone von Rahden and Antoaneta Emanuilova share a long friendship and years of performing together in various combinations. All three currently teach at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock.