Bach Selection from the Art of Fugue, BWV 1080
Michans Divertimento for eight strings 'Variations on a Tamil Lyric'
Shostakovich Two pieces for string octet
Mendelssohn Octet in E flat opus 20
Felix Mendelssohn's octet, written when he was 16, is a kind of violin concerto in small ensemble, with a natural star role for the first violin. An almost fairytale haze hangs over the string sounds. And it makes happy. Viola player Frank Brakkee says: 'Mendelssohn's music makes you feel ten years younger. It has youthful freshness, full of energy, excitement and beautiful melodies. Mendelssohn does that very well. If you're depressed for a moment, listen to Mendelssohn and you'll be able to take it again.'