Goldberg
GOLDBERG
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations is one of the most iconic compositions in the history of music, a transcendental keyboard work and a breathtaking Rubik’s Cube of harmonic architecture. Conscious of Bach’s affinity for arranging and transcribing his own works, Duo Aliada continues this tradition while also shedding new light on this beloved masterpiece, presenting it with a dimension of timbres and expressiveness that only their unique instrumentation could achieve. The cosmic, timeless character of the Goldberg Variations makes it the perfect material for new arrangements and Duo Aliada have taken on the challenge with the same commitment and skill they have become known for throughout the world. Michal Knot and Bogdan Laketic have passionately set out to rediscover this work of genius, with all of its fragility and strength.
75 min without intermission
East West
EAST WEST
Aliada sets out to explore the musical landscapes of the Eastern European and American hemispheres. Michał Knot and Bogdan Laketic migrated from their Eastern European homes – Poland and Serbia – Westward to Vienna, a city that has embodied the fusion of East/West for hundreds of years. The two musicians’ Slavic passion and curiosity is mirrored in their musical repertoire, including new arrangements as well as new pieces written particularly for this program, meant to explore the frontiers that distinguish various musical genres. The program is brought to life on stage through the duo’s colorful and rousing interpretations, which have been called “Simply grandiose” by German SWR. The duo sweeps the audience to a place of passion and devotion, while the borders between East and West fade into the distance.
Music by Edvard Grieg, Igor Stravinsky, Witold Lutoslawski, George Gershiwn, Chick Corea and Tomasz Skweres
Duo Aliada geht auf Entdeckungsreise durch die musikalische Landschaft Osteuropas und Amerikas. Michał Knot und Bogdan Laketic kamen aus Polen und Serbien in den Westen, nach Wien – die Stadt, in der sich Ost und West seit Jahrhunderten treffen. Die slawische Leidenschaft und Neugier der beiden Musiker spiegelt sich in deren Repertoire, zu welchem neue Arrangements und Stücke zählen, die eigens für ihr Programm geschrieben wurden, und in welchen sie die Grenzen musikalischer Genres überschreiten. Das Programm entfaltet sich auf der Bühne durch die bunten und mitreißenden Interpretationen des Duos, welche vom Deutschen SWR als „einfach grandios“ gelobt wurden. Das Duo nimmt seine Zuhörer mit zu einem Ort der musikalischen Andacht und Leidenschaft, während die Grenzen zwischen Ost und West in den Hintergrund treten.
Musik Von Grieg, Stravinsky, Lutosławski, Gershwin, Corea, Skweres
New colours of the past
NEW COLOURS OF THE PAST
With this concert programme Duo Aliada re-discovers music of the past, presenting it with an amazing display of instrumental virtuosity, classical transcription authenticity and glorious sonority. Whether the music hails originally from the 17th or 20th century the effect achieved by Duo Aliada is staggering. From contrapuntal weaving of themes (Bach), a most satisfying rendition of Grieg’s ‘Holberg Suite’ through a vicious attack on dissonant chords (Penderecki) to seductive tango rhythms and melodies (Piazzolla), the pair deliver an entertaining, varied and enlightening programme. It is my genuine belief that if any of the composers of the works contained herein were able to hear Duo Aliada perform, they would be the first to leap to their feet with a standing ovation.
Kenneth Morris
UK Clarinet&Saxophone Magazine
Manche CDs sind ein Glücksfall: weil sie mit althergebrachten Meinungen aufräumen und einem Musik, die man gut zu kennen glaubt, ganz neu erleben lassen. Beides ist bei „New Colours Of The Past“ vom Duo Aliada der Fall. Sei es orchestrale Musik des 17. und frühen 18. Jahrhunderts, von Händel, Vivaldi und Bach, oder Werke des 20. Jahrhunderts, von Alban Berg, Krzysztof Penderecki oder Béla Bartók – was Michał Knot am Saxofon und sein Partner Bogdan Laketic am Akkordeon daraus machen, ist einfach grandios! Die große Wandelbarkeit ihrer Instrumente kommt den beiden da sicher zu Hilfe. Das Saxofon schlüpft mühelos in die Rollen von Flöte, Klarinette, Geige oder Fagott und kann zuweilen sogar wie eine menschliche Stimme klingen (eine „Vox humana“ im besten Sinne also, von der die Orgelbauer früherer Jahrhunderte immer geträumt haben). Und das Akkordeon ersetzt, je nach Register, ein volles Orchester, ein kleiner besetztes Continuo, eine Orgel oder ein Clavichord, und das mit fließenden Übergängen. Das garantiert eine große klangliche Vielfalt!
Martin Hagen
SWR 2
Edu Aliada
EDU ALIADA
Many scientific works have shown that children actively experiencing music display improved intellectual and social skills. Engaging in musical activities influence a whole range of abilities that are important in the growth process: self confidence, creative and sensitive thinking, discipline, coordination, collaborative skills and the ability to focus, which is particularly beneficial in an age of many distractions. Nevertheless, those valuable skills are developed only if music becomes an entertaining and unforgettable experience. Duo Aliada understands well this incredible power of music. Therefore, it created a special educational program for children, which includes compositions by famous classical composers, folk music from around the world and improvisations in different styles. All presented with a unique energy and style, with the purpose to catch attention of the youngest and perhaps initiate a life-long musical journey.
Back to the roots: A musical journey through time
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonin Dvorak, Manuel De Falla, Pjotr Iljitsch Tschaikowski, Johannes Brahms, Bela Bartok, Edvard Grieg
