The award-winning Ariel Quartet was formed in Israel nearly twenty years ago when its members were middle-school students. The Quartet was recently awarded the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award and serves as the Faculty Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.
This special performance begins with Schumann’s Quartet in A Minor, Op. 41, No. 1, one of three string quartets that the composer completed in just three weeks. Dedicated to his friend Mendelssohn, one can hear vivacious influences of his contemporary in the Scherzo movement. Brahms' Quartet Op. 5, No. 2 is also in the key of A Minor, and while melancholy pervades the movements, there is a sense of lightness and light.
Beethoven’s last string quartet, F major, Op. 135, No. 16, was inspired by his teacher, Haydn. Smaller in scale than his other quartets, the piece is playful in nature and unpredictable through frequent melodic and harmonic shifts and mid-phrase interruptions. The piece is high-spirited and an example of Beethoven’s passion for life.
The final piece, Wolf’s Italian Serenade, was written in two days in May 1887 when he was in the midst of composing a set of songs to the poetry of Eichendorff. One of these poems served as the basis for the “story” of the Serenade. The hero is a soldier and a violinist who loves a beautiful lady in a castle. To capture her hand, he leaves to seek his fortune.
This performance includes Newport Art Museum admission and a complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres reception prior to the concert and during intermission.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Reception from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Tickets to this event are $50. Purchase tickets online at http://www.newportmusic.org/concerts/ariel-quartet/
For ticket inquiries, please contact Whitney Clarke
Phone: (401) 849-0700
Email: info@newportmusic.org
Buy your tickets to Ariel Quartet before they sell out!
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