Sun, 27.09.2026
Wind Octet

The term "Harmoniemusik" today refers to an orchestra with a mixed instrumentation of woodwinds, brass, and percussion. However, its namesake precursor enjoyed great popularity as early as the 18th century, albeit in a significantly smaller sextet formation with two oboes, two bassoons, and two horns. In 1782, Emperor Joseph II founded the Imperial-Royal Harmonie and expanded it to include two clarinets. This ensemble was considerably less expensive than a full orchestra and yet could still be used in large halls and at outdoor events. It is therefore not surprising that Joseph II's Harmoniemusik soon found imitators at numerous aristocratic courts, including the Bonn court of the Cologne Elector Max Franz. Ludwig van Beethoven composed his Octet in E-flat major for the latter's Harmoniemusik shortly before his second trip to Vienna in 1792. Like Mozart's Wind Serenade No. 12, it transcends the traditional framework of background music for wind ensembles, which was typically played at banquets, receptions, and evening entertainments. Instead, the themes, sound, and instrumental treatment aim for a symphonic effect. So, be prepared for the symphonic sound of the wind players of the Musikkollegium Winterthur – and feel free to postpone your Sunday banquet until after the concert.

Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Serenade No. 12 in C minor, KV 388 "Nacht Musique"
Jonathan Dove - "Figures in the Garden" Serenade for Wind Octet on Music from Mozart's Opera "The Marriage of Figaro"
- INTERMISSION -
Ludwig van Beethoven - Octet for Winds in E-flat major, Op. 103

Ticket office (Mon–Fri, 9:30–13:30):
Stadthaus Winterthur, Stadthausstrasse 4a, CH-8400 Winterthur, Tel. +41 52 620 20 20, konzertkarten@musikkollegium.ch

Other ticket outlets
- Winterthur Tourism, Main Train Station, CH-8400 Winterthur
- Ticket Corner, all Swiss ticket outlets