Beethoven String Quartets

Music at Paxton is delighted to welcome the Chiaroscuro Quartet back for the first of two performances that can be enjoyed individually or as a musical sequence. Formed in 2005, the group enjoys an international touring schedule that regularly takes them to major venues across Europe, Japan and the USA.

Beethoven’s early, genial Quartet in D echoes stylistic aspects of Mozart and Haydn, but the boldness exhibited already points to the remarkable journey he would take in this genre. The score of his final completed composition, the Quartet in F, recaptures much of this upbeat spirit, despite the travails of his later life. In contrast, the Quartet in A minor is a dark, brooding work that features a striking ‘Chorale hymn of thanksgiving for recovery from illness’. This movement alone is considered by many to be one of Beethoven’s greatest creations.

Programme:
Beethoven String Quartet in D, Op. 18 No. 3
String Quartet in F, Op. 135
String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132

Chiaroscuro Quartet:
Alina Ibragimova violin
Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux violin
Emilie Hörnlund viola
Claire Thirion cello