Musical Journey through Europe

Leipzig is the pivot and focal point of this concert programme. Bach's great flute sonata in B minor came about for the popular concerts at Zimmermann's coffee house in Leipzig. In the 18th and 19th, Leipzig was one of the most important musical centres of Central Europe, and was also sought out by young composers from northern and eastern Europe. Their works too are heard in this programme, set against Beethoven's little-known, original variations on folk songs from various countries.

The Echo Klassik prize-winner Sontraud Speidel and her university colleague Johannes Hustedt (both HfM Karlsruhe) founded their duo to mark the Clara Schumann Year in 2019. Their interpretations of Beethoven's works in his anniversary year gave rise to a CD series with the classical label audite.