The Waltz to Host Second 2014 'Firm' Concert, 8/18

The Waltz is being reborn in this year's concert series presented by Adelaide chamber music promoters, The Firm. Composer directors Quincy Grant and Raymond Chapman Smith will be launching a new ensemble for their second concert, on Monday August 18.

The Robert Walser Ensemble, named after the early 20th century Swiss writer, comprises one of Adelaide's most sought after pianists, Jamie Cock, acclaimed English violinist Elizabeth Layton and the ASO's Ewen Bramble on cello.

The trio will continue The Firm's celebration of The Waltz with a contrasting yet complementary set of pieces from 1827 to 2014 by Schubert, Korngold, Schnittke, Grant and Chapman Smith.

One of Franz Schubert's most lyrical and tender dances, Valses Nobles, will transport the audience to a Viennese parlour where Schubert famously extemporized new works on the spot while the guests whirled about him.

Fast forward to the 20th century with Tanzlied Des Pierrot by Eric Korngold (famous for his Hollywood scores including the 1938 Oscar winning Robin Hood) and the cello sonata by Russian composer Alfred Schnittke composed in 1978.

In keeping with The Firm's tradition of blending the old and the new, two new works by Adelaide composers will be premiered.

Raymond Chapman Smith's set of waltzes, Attersee Tanze, capture the spirit of the birth place of the waltz, taking their name from the lake which features in many paintings by the iconic Viennese artist Gustaf Klimt.

Quentin Grant's Hungarian Dances departs from the lilting rhythm for which the waltz is most famous to a more strident Eastern European metre.

The evening will be topped off with post concert complimentary drinks, nibbles and conversation.

The Firm will continue their focus on the waltz in the remaining three concerts on September 22, October 13 and November 3. All concerts at 8pm in Elder Hall.

Tickets: $12 and $7 concession available at the door or www.trybooking.com/FKTH