L’instrument préféré de Mozart
Musical program
for violin/viola duo
New creation 2024
Saint-Denis Festival
By the ensemble Des Equilibres.
Artistic direction: Agnès Pyka
L’instrument préféré de Mozart
The viola is sometimes considered the unloved of the string instruments, when its central position in the string range makes it indispensable in a string ensemble.
Thus, Haydn quickly abandoned the two-violin-cello formation for the sonic architecture of the quartet, incorporating the middle voice of the viola. The great Joseph Haydn soon listened attentively to this intimate and warm voice.
Mozart, who had just dedicated his sublime Sinfonia Concertante KV 397 to the same duo , admitted that he loved the viola above all else, as evidenced by the rich parts devoted to this instrument in his quartets and quintets.
With this program, we offer you some of the most beautiful pieces for violin/viola duo.

Agnès Pyka
First violin

Jean Sautereau
Viola
THE PROGRAMME
Choice of parts:
- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), 15 Inventions for two voices (BWV 772-786), arr. John Harvey.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Duet No. 1 K. 423 in G major – [15 mins]
- Louis Spohr (1784-1859), Duo for violin and viola in E minor – [17 min]
- Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), Duo for violin and viola in C major – [6 min]
- Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935), Passacaglia in G minor (after Handel) – [8 mins]
- Graciane Finzi (1945-), Interrupted Moments – [11 mins]
- Florentine Mulsant (1962-), Duo for violin and viola op. 91 – [9 min]
- Hector Cornilleau (1996-), The Office of Dreams (Premiere) – [10 min]
The selection of works for the program will be finalized in consultation with the organizer.
L’Ensemble Des Equilibres as a violin/viola duo: Agnès Pyka, violin; Jean Sautereau, viola
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
GENERAL INFORMATION
Produced by Ensemble Des Equilibres.
With the support of SPEDIDAM.
Ensemble Des Equilibres is a member of FEVIS and Scène Ensemble.
Ensemble Des Equilibres is supported by the DRAC Ile-de-France.
Ensemble Des Equilibres receives funding from the Ile-de-France Region.

