Saturday, 7 June 2014 00:00
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A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola and cello, the string counterparts of the soprano, alto, tenor and bass of the human voice.
This combination for musical expression, has been in use since the days of Gregorio Allegri (1582–1652). Since then, connoisseurs, academics, string players and conductors have acknowledged that it was to this medium that the greatest composers committed music that is most profound, beautiful, uplifting, cerebral, intimate and best of all, most true to their innermost being.
Haydn’s 68, and Beethoven’s 16 in the genre, among contributions by dozens of other composers, are considered to be the core repertoire of most professional string quartets, some of which have performed internationally for 40 years.
The Chamber Music Society of Colombo presents a varied selection of music of diverse inspiration. The venue will be the Goethe Hall, 39 Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7, on Sunday, 22 June, at 7:30 p.m.
The concert is presented in association with the Goethe-Institut, Colombo and with funding by the premier sponsor of the CMSC, Fairway Holdings. Tickets are priced at Rs. 500 and are available at the venue.
The evening will include the last unfinished, exquisite quartet (a font of melody if there ever was one), by the great Joseph Haydn, who did more than anyone to develop the form that we recognize today. The other familiar work is Mozart’s second “Salzburg symphony”, the Divertimento in B flat major, K137. As usual, the rarities are beauties. Haydn’s Divertimento in E flat major, Beethoven’s Prelude and Fugue in F major; and lastly, Frank Bridge’s three “Noveletten” bring the medium to the 20th century.
The interpreters will include Artistic Director, Lakshman Joseph de Saram (violin), Othman H. Majid (violin), Avanti Perera (viola) and Peter O’Reilly (cello). They are joined by Nilanthi Weerakoon (double bass) in the two Divertimenti. Details of the concert can be found at www.colombochambermusic.org/concerts. Press Pagewww.colombochambermusic.org/pr.
