The Linos Ensemble was founded in 1977 by oboist Klaus Becker. They were already in Mechelen in 2018, albeit in a slightly modified line-up. Now they returned as guests of the Haydn Society Flanders in Mechelen, not in the Sint-Pieterkerk but in the Sint-Janskerk. And with a completely different program...
This German flagship 'par excellence' and their more than 40 CDs have already earned a plethora of laudatory superlatives in the German specialist press. The Linos Ensemble also performed at the last Haydn concert attended by Prince Anton II Esterházy de Galantha. Now, 7 years later, it was his photograph that, together with Cardinal De Keezel and sponsor ODTH, heard in a full church that it was good. It is always a pleasure to hear old acquaintances again, such as Beethoven's Gassenhauer Trio. Especially in Mechelen. And especially with the commitment, interaction and virtuosity of this ensemble. Beethoven's themes, you could sing along with them! The Quintet for wind instruments and keyboard by Mozart is also enormously popular. Linos approached it far from routine. Sometimes they go for it full force, then they subtly ease off the gas. The well-dosed dynamics kept it engaging.
Noted
Once again, the piano of Konstanze Eickhorst provided unwavering, efficient support. What distinguishes this modest artist is not only that she shares her first name with Mrs. Mozart but especially that she was a finalist in our Queen Elisabeth Competition in 1987. That year Andreï Nikolsky won, who was killed in a car accident 8 years later. Now Konstanze teaches in Lübeck. Like performing in an ensemble, that brings her more pleasure than standing solo on stage.
Oboist Kai Frömbgen played himself into the spotlight. After the successful performances of Vilém Veverka, music-loving Mechelen runs the risk of identifying only this flamboyant Czech with the oboe. But Kai Frömbgen proved the opposite. Solid, discreet, but oh so convincingly impressive, this true artist, the same age as the ensemble with which he performed.
Unknown, unloved?
In the Septet by Alexander Fesca, Kai Frömbgen struck sparks. Fesca... It is fantastic that so many Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart enthusiasts have discovered this phenomenon born in Karlsruhe, who was only allowed to live 29 years. It is precisely this combination of known and unknown that is an important element in the DNA of 'Amazing Haydn', emphasized organizer Deleus proudly. For, if there is one person in Mechelen who deserves a statue, it is Alfons Deleus. Even more than for his tireless commitment to and knowledge of classical music, for his courageous defense of composers for whom, as the program booklet states, "music history has been unjustly relentless".