The Days of Early Music 2025 festival will present an exceptional concert this Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 PM in Moyzes Hall titled The Dawn of the Clarinet’s New Era. This event will offer audiences a fascinating insight into the transformation of the clarinet repertoire in the second half of the 19th century. The program reflects the evolution of both the technical capabilities and the sonic character of the clarinet during a time when it was transitioning from a Romantic instrument toward its modern form.

Performed by two acclaimed musicians – clarinetist Róbert Šebesta and pianist Ladislav Fančovič – the concert will feature works by renowned composers such as Robert Schumann and Camille Saint-Saëns, alongside lesser-known names like Léon Magnier, Paul Jeanjean, and Henri Rabaud. A highlight of the evening will be Solo de Concours, a virtuosic piece for clarinet and piano originally composed for students of the famed Paris Conservatoire.

Both performers will appear on period instruments – Róbert Šebesta will perform on clarinets by the prestigious Parisian brand Buffet Crampon, while Ladislav Fančovič will play a Bechstein piano.

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PROGRAM

• Robert SCHUMANN: Fantasiestücke, op. 73

• Léon MAGNIER: L’Abeille, L’Alouette

• Camille SAINT-SAËNS: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, op. 167

• Niels Wilhelm GADE: Fantasiestücke for Clarinet and Piano, op. 43

• Paul JEANJEAN: Etude No. 10 (from Seize études modernes)

• Henri RABAUD: Solo de Concours, op. 10

Róbert ŠEBESTA – A Slovak clarinetist and expert on historical wind instruments. He studied at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava and in Paris, where he specialized in historical clarinets. As a soloist, he has collaborated with leading early music ensembles across Europe, premiered and recorded numerous historical works, and received both domestic and international acclaim for his recordings. He is the founder of the Bratislava Mozart Festival and teaches at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava.

Ladislav FANČOVIČ – Pianist, saxophonist, conductor, and cultural organizer. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Radio_Head Award for Best Classical Album (2023). Fančovič is a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, founder of ensembles such as the Fats Jazz Band and Pressburg Saxophone Quartet. He performs both nationally and internationally and has recorded over 50 CDs.

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Tickets: 15 € / reduced 10 €

Available via Ticketportal:
https://www.ticketportal.sk/event/Dni-starej-hudby-2025?imedium=search

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This concert is a rare opportunity to witness the birth of the modern clarinet sound, delivered through an authentic performance on historical instruments – shaped by deep expertise and a passion for musical heritage.

Updated: 07. 06. 2025