The contrast of flute and harpsichord features in a wide range of virtuoso programmes; the harpsichord with its characteristic sound is the typical bass of the baroque period, combining perfectly with the cantabile, virtuoso role of the flute and its sophisticated ornamentation.

The duet repertoire includes a wide range of baroque sonatas, by composers such as:

Flute and harp – these are among the oldest musical instruments in human history, with magic powers ascribed to them in Greek mythology. This truly royal combination opens up a rich spectrum of timbres, contrasting and simultaneously blending into one another.

The duet repertoire includes works from all periods of musical history, from baroque to classic, romantic and impressionism to contemporary, by:

The combination of flute, viola and harp gives very special capabilities. The differences between these three instruments and the resulting unique mix of tone colours was used by Claude Debussy in the major chamber composition of French impressionism, his sonata for flute, viola and harp. The result was a work of extraordinary beauty.

Composers such as Arnold Bax, Harald Genzmer, Sofia Gubaidulina, Jacques Ibert, Toru Takemitsu and many more followed his example. They used the special blend of these three instruments to set to music the impressions of nature which they experienced, with layers of colour and musical emotion imbued with aesthetic worlds of sound and virtuoso reverie; producing an enchanting, captivating, brilliant and sometimes intensely powerful impact.

The complete repertoire of the baroque in varied, colourful programmes ranging from baroque to contemporary for flute, cello and harpsichord; or flute, viola da gamba and harpsichord.

Rich in sound, virtuoso, poetic - Works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach for flute, oboe, cello/viola da gamba and harpsichord; their sonatas unfold in a fascinating dialogue between the instruments, revealing the full magnificence of the baroque concerto grosso interlaced with virtuoso solos.

These powerful sonatas are the framework for the miniature sound worlds depicting the ancient myths of Pan and Syrinx – in solo works for flute and oboe by Claude Debussy and Benjamin Britten. The moving legend of the love of shepherd god Pan for the nymph Syrinx was taken up by the Hamburg-based composer and church musician Claus Bantzer in a commissioned work for flute, oboe, cello/viola da gamba and harpsichord. It is an amazing other-worldly, picturesque portrayal of timeless themes, bridging the gap between early music and contemporary sounds.

The most classical “obbligato” instrumentation, with the instruments which (together with the harp) featured in the initial period of the ensemble in 1995.

The graceful, virtuoso Flute Quartet KV 285 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is the starting point for the varied programmes, with works by:

The main emphasis of this combination is on the charming, colourful, virtuoso, rich original compositions of French impressionists such as Jean Cras, André Jolivet, Gabriel Pierné, Albert Roussel, Marcel Tournier, Jean Françaix, and the latter’s delightful arrangements of sonatas by baroque composer Domenico Scarlatti and piano impromptus by Franz Schubert – coupled with works of the baroque, classical and romantic periods, impressionism and contemporary music, in duet, trio and quartet formations within the quintet.

The special charm of these concerts with their striking visual and acoustic presentation is the diversity of the instruments with the sounds they can produce, and the bandwidth of compositions through all periods of music history.

Other options:
- Quartet with piano, violin, viola and cello
- Sextet with piano, flute, 2 violins, viola and cello
- Trio with flute, cello, piano

Programmes available on request.

The wind section of Ensemble Obligat Hamburg comes from the Hamburg Wind Quintet in classical formation with flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon. They feature consummate musicianship with rich, expressive sound, bringing to life the wind quintets of all periods.

Media response:
“They are colourful and committed – presenting the full range of sounds, with singing tone and glorious expression. Their interpretation truly deserved the resounding applause they received – confident, with spot-on, impeccable interaction... It was such a pleasure to see and hear these five musicians, who showed total commitment to their music, while preserving spirited lightness of touch – an achievement which is hard for any ensemble to match.”
RP online

Ensemble Obligat in the largest of all chamber music combinations, for maximum richness of sound – a chamber orchestra made up of solo instruments.

Nonets by Johannes Brahms, Louise Farrenc, Witold Lutoslawski, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Georges Onslow, Josef Gabriel Rheinberger, Nino Rota and Louis Spohr.

A new venture launched by the ensemble in 2005 comprised cooperation with China’s leading contemporary composer, Xiaoyong Chen (*1955) with works for wind, strings and piano.

Xiaoyong Chen sees composing as communication in sound, seeking out hidden capabilities which are then developed in his works; the result is a sound creation which fully reflects his Asian heritage and culture, producing a meditative, focused, direct impact on his listeners. Xiaoyong Chen initially composed in seemingly abstract structures, but on performance they release vital inventive potential. Reduction to the essentials generates a new inner impression, producing a complex new musical cosmos; as with the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, the focus on essential structure transforms itself to a rich new image, almost floating in the air.

For more information on Xiaoyong Chen, see www.sikorski.de.