Mario Brunello: Bach on Violoncello Piccolo

You might think you’ve heard every possible version of Bach’s solo violin works, but Mario Brunello is here to offer a perspective that feels entirely new. Returning to the Megaron to complete his ambitious multi-season project, the Italian maestro swaps the familiar violin for the rare and somewhat mysterious violoncello piccolo. It is an instrument Bach himself loved, often described as a "lost tenor" because it sits right in that sweet spot between a cello and a violin. Brunello describes this sound as the "dark northern side" of the musical mountain, providing a moodier and more resonant texture to these famous masterpieces.

If you are looking for a performance that feels like a quiet, profound conversation rather than a grand symphonic spectacle, this intimate recital in the Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall is the one to circle on your calendar. It is a rare opportunity to see a world-class soloist push the boundaries of early music with such an adventurous spirit. You can grab your tickets through the Megaron website or at the theatre box office, with prices starting at a very accessible €10.