A night of Classical and Romantic Music

Details

Canvas String Quartet full profile / String Quartet / 4 musicians

Other players: Ju Jin-Bornet, Alison Molino, Alyson Clare

Full program notes

Our first piece is the Mozart String Quartet no.14 in G Major. We chose this piece since it was nicknamed his "Spring" quartet. Mozart traveled to Vienna and was just getting to know Joseph Haydn. He looked up to him greatly, and this piece is largely dedicated to him. Mozart himself played viola, and would typically be playing in the quartet himsef.

We will also be performing Grieg's Quartet No.1 in G Minor. Grieg was a Norwegian composer who based this piece off Norwegian folklore about a water spirit who grants special powers to a traveler in the forest. These spirits were known to aid travelers in need and would be a protective spirit. He mentioned that this piece is written to feel comfortable under the musicians fingers, and work well with each instruments unique character.

Our last piece is Invierno Porteño, aka Winter by Astor Piazzola. Piazzola was an Argentinian composer and Accordion player who fused his local culture of tango music with classical music. Originally striving to become a purely classical performer, he found his stride in incorporating the music he spent much time performing in his youth.

Historical context

Tonight we be playing classical music from the mid 1700's to a fusion of Latin and classical music from the mid 1900's. Each composer had a variety if inspirations, whether it be popular poetry/short stories of the time, events they specifically wrote the music for, or a piece they wrote for a loved one. Our players can trace their lineage back to players of this time period, and we are honored to continue the tradition of beautiful art music.

Audio from this ensemble

Invierno Porteño - Astor Piazzola

Grieg Quartet No.1

Smetana "From My Life"