Beethoven and Schumann Masterpieces
The Viano Quartet is one of the leading new-generation string quartets of North America, their performances being described by Gramophone magazine as “invigoratingly fresh-minted…slick, soulful, strong, glowing, and supremely virtuosic.” Their return to Regina is much-anticipated.
The program opens with a newly written string quartet by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail. Fresh off the press and commissioned by the Viano Quartet, Reena’s music weaves together the traditions of Hindustani and Western classical music. Going back in time to commissions of former days, it was Count Razumovsky, Russian ambassador to Vienna, who asked Beethoven to write his three String Quartets Op. 59, completed in 1806. In this first quartet of the set, eager optimism pours forth from the very beginning. Heartbreaking and timeless moments are heard in the slow movement, and a Russian folk song is incorporated into the final movement at the Count's request, with full Beethoven charm and abandon.
Robert Schumann was a great admirer of Beethoven – the year 1842, known as Schumann’s “chamber music year,” was spent vigorously studying the quartets of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven in preparation for his own chamber music offerings. His Piano Quintet was miraculously drafted in only five days and was dedicated to his wife, Clara. She loved the work, describing it as “full of strength and freshness,” and performed it regularly throughout her own great career as a pianist.
Left to right: Aiden Kane, viola; Hao Zhou, violin; Lucy Wang, violin; and Tate Zawadiuk, cello. Inset: Meagan Milatz, piano.
Event venue
Darke Hall, 2255 College Ave, Regina, SK S4P 0S9, Canada
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