Ensemble arabesques

Harmonious foundations

At the end of the 18th century, sounds that would soon shape the development of European music were initially being heard as »Tafelmusik«: table music at court feasts and banquets. Looking to bring operas and symphonies to a wider public outside the concert halls, the wind section was taken out of its usual orchestral context and arranged for wind octets – »set to harmony«. They were soon performing at fairs, in public municipal gardens and coffee houses. Wind instruments are given their own melodies to play, in turn paving the way for the classical symphony. »You cannot imagine the glorious effect of a symphony with flutes, oboes and clarinets,« Mozart enthuses in 1778. The ensemble arabesques brings musicians together from three of Hamburg’s main orchestras, giving guest performances both at home and abroad throughout the year.