J. HAYDN (1732–1809): Symphony No. 88 in G major, Hob. I:88 – transcription for four hands
W. A. MOZART (1756–1791): Sonata for four hands in G major (unfinished), K. 357
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R. SCHUMANN (1810–1856): Bilder aus Osten, Op. 66
Chorales by J. S. BACH (1685–1750) in four-hand transcription by György KURTÁG (*1926)

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Rita Papp and László Gerhát, a fortepiano duo committed to historically informed performance practice, regularly explore lesser-known layers of the chamber music repertoire. Their programme presents a cross-section of four-hand literature, offering a view of 18th- and 19th-century music, with a forward glance all the way to the present day.
Nothing could more authentically evoke the vibrant atmosphere of classical domestic music-making than the four-hand arrangement of Haydn’s Symphony in G major: the enjoyment of orchestral works known from concert halls and salons in such arrangements was a common practice of the period.
By contrast, Mozart’s unfinished single movement Sonata in G major reveals an early stage in the development of the four-hand genre, with operatic gestures and clear formal thinking.
The second half of the programme highlights key moments from the 19th and 20th centuries. Schumann’s Bilder aus Osten is a cycle of Romantic character pieces in which dance-like and lyrical movements alternate, while the concert concludes with Bach’s timeless chorales in arrangements by György Kurtág, paying tribute to the centenary of the composer this year.