In our next series of concerts we open with Mozart’s string trio K. 563. Mozart described this piece as a divertimento, implying that it is superficial light music when in fact it is one of his finest works, written at the peak of his powers. The writing for the three instruments – violin, viola and cello – is equally distributed and beautifully balanced.
Our new violinist, Mandy, is joining us for James MacMillan’s Memento which brings us sound on the brink of silence – coming in and out of silence, rather like a memento half remembered. It hints of Scottish folk music but remains wistful throughout. Although it is a short piece, a sense of timelessness prevails.
The major quartet work in the programme is the quartet in E flat by Fanny Mendelssohn. A supremely gifted musician and composer, she was discouraged from becoming a professional musician by her family and it is only recently that her music has become more widely recognised and performed. We absolutely love this quartet and we are sure that it will make a good impression on those who hear it too.
There will be more information on the music that we are playing in future blog posts.
PLEASE NOTE – Our concert in Dartmouth will include Piazolla “Libertango” instead of the Macmillan “Memento.”