It's classical music that is written to be performed by a very small group of performers --being able to fit into a small performance space, but doesn't usually include solo performers.
The ensemble I'm seeing on Saturday is just going to be an instrumental duet with a violinist and pianist.
Incredible performance, although I must admit that I did fall asleep during the second movement of the second piece, which was basically just a violin solo.
The violinist was James Ehnes and he was playing a Stradivarius ("Ex Marsick"). I was very impressed by his talent, as he did much that seemed a little unorthodox.
The pianist, Eduard Laurel was also very good, although the performance seemed to be focused mainly around the violinist parts.
The pieces played (for anyone that actually knows classical music) were:
Giuseppe Tartini / Fritz Kreisler The Devils Trill Larghetto Allegro energico Grave - Allegro assai
Bela Bartok Sonata for Solo Violin Tempo di ciaccona Fuga Melodia Presto
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Sonata in E minor, K.304 Allegro Tempo di Menuetto
Maurice Ravel Tzigane
Pablo de Sarasate Spanish Dances, Op. 23 Playera Zapateado
They did an encore piece as well, although I don't recall the name.
Overall thoughts about the concert;
Stradivarius violins are the epitome of all stringed instrument tone. The Devils Trill was completely bad ass.