Darkness and Infinity

The second programme of the series turns to a theme of darkness, mystery, and coded complexity. 'Romancendres' is Holliger's outpouring of grief for the lost manuscripts of Schumann's Cello Romances which Clara Schumann had burned. Espace II was composed in 1993, with Ursula and Heinz Holliger performing in the première. György Kurtág's 'Játékok' are playful piano miniatures, containing hidden codes, references and themes of childhood. At his suggestion they are interspersed with his four-hand piano arrangements of Chorale Preludes.