The Streichquartettfest 2026 begins with a "Haydn at his best": number 4 from the classic composer's magnificent last series of six quartets. Although the father of the string quartet was already 65 at the time, he showed no signs of fatigue. "Full of inventiveness, fire, good taste and new effects" was how the English music scholar Charles Burney saw these works. And the B flat major quartet caused a sensation not least with its opening, which evokes associations with a sunrise. From the bustle of the minuet, however, it is not so far to John Adams and his book of "alleged dances", which the American called "because the steps for them had not yet been invented" in 1994. Bedřich Smetana then takes a very personal approach: in his first quartet from 1876, he actually wanted to depict his own life in music. In doing so, he did not spare his incipient deafness.

The concert will be recorded by SWR Kultur and broadcast on February 2 as a Lunchtime Concerts starting at 13:05.

Also bookable in the Streichquartettfest Pass or Streichquartettfest Pass Light