Old Music on New Strings

Famous Western classical trio Sitkovetsky Caussé Demarquette to perform in the city for the first time

Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Gérard Caussé and Henri Demarquette — three renowned classical soloists come together to give new life to classical compositions by Bach and Beethoven. With Beethoven's Serenade in D major, Op. 8 and Sitkovetsky's transcription of Bach's Goldberg Variations, Poona Music Society's concert on January 5 promises a legendary evening for anyone who enjoys classical music with a fresh perspective.

The trio is on its maiden Indian tour that will bring it first to Mazda Hall in Pune and then to NCPA in Mumbai on January 9. "Firstly, this Indian tour was fixed to premiere the Bach Goldberg Variations (trans. Sitkovetsky) which has been played all over the world for more than 25 years but never played before in India. Beethoven is definitely one of the most famous composers in the world," say the trio of their two selections of music for the programme.

Sitkovetsky's famous transcription of the Goldberg variations have been performed all over the world by a variety of instumentalists for over 25 years. This however, is the first time that Sitkovetsky will be performing the masterpiece in India himself.

Called "robust, joyous and full of insight" by the New York Times, the transcription features string instruments — the violin, viola and cello. "This piece of music (Goldberg Variations) was originally written for the keyboard. The music has three parts and, in this transcription, each part is played by a different string instrument. the audience will hopefully gain a fresh insight into this music," says Sitkovetsky.

While each is an accomplished musician in his own right; Sitkovetsky as a violinist, arranger and conductor, Caussé as one of the world's finest viola players and Demarquette as a cellist — the three have collaborated several times in the past. "We have performed together on many occasions and chamber music is all about collaborating with your partners and not about showing off each one's technical ability," says Henri Demarquette.

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