ZRI stands for Zum Roten Igel, or ‘To the Red Hedgehog Tavern’. lt’s the name of the old Viennese drinking joint where folk and Gypsy musicians played, and this is where same of the great classical composers such as Schubert and Brahms went to listen … and they were inspired!
The ensemble ZRI brings the spirit of this musical mix to life, playing the music of Brahms, Schubert, Janacek, and more, with the instrumentation of a folk band, including santouri (like a dulcimer) and accordion in place of a viola and extra violin. ZRI has brought its unique versions of the Brahms clarinet quintet and the great Schubert C major quintet, full with their Hungarian and Viennese cafehaus melodies to stages across the UK and Europe since the band formed over 12 years ago. They have made 3 albums and have recorded their 4th album for Naxos earlier this year. ZRI is pleased to play in Norway for the first time at Rosendal Festival!
To their repertoire they have added a live score to Charlie Chaplin’s early classic The Adventurer, Janacek’s ‘Kreutzer Sonata’, and earlier this year they made their first full scale orchestral collaboration with the Våsterås Sinfonietta in Sweden.
The ensemble has bonds running right back to childhood, and each member leads a dynamic career in their own right. www.zrimusic.com
Brahms clarinet quintet – allegro Kolomeyke – Carpathian traditional melody Brahms allegro continued Hora mit tsibiles (Hora with Onions) – Klezmer melody Brahms allegro continued
Sarba Maracini – Ukrainian trad.
Brahms clarinet quintet – adagio Der Gasn Nign (The Street Tune) – Klezmer melody Brahms adagio continued
Brahms clarinet quintet – andantino Dance from Korond (Romanian trad.) Der Goldene Khasene (The Golden Wedding) – Klezmer melody Brahms andantino continued
