Concerts
The Prazak Quartet:
Václav Remeš, Vlastimil Holek violins
Josef Klusoň viola
Michal Kaňka cello
Monday 12th October 2009 at 7.30pm
Prazak Quartet
Haydn Quartet in G minor Op. 74 No. 3 Rider
Martinů Quartet No. 7 Concerto da Camera
Mendelssohn Quartet in E flat major Op.12
6.30 pm – pre-concert talk: members of the Pražák Quartet in conversation
‘The Pražák Quartet is one of the finest chamber ensembles of our generation.’ Audiophile Audition
Formed at the renowned Prague Conservatoire in the 1970s, the Pražák Quartet is now long established as one of the finest modern inheritors of the great Czech quartet tradition. In their 35th year of existence, the Pražáks pay tribute to three composers, all of whose anniversaries fall in 2009. Typically for this ensemble, the programme blends Germanic repertoire with the music of its native country.
Haydn’s Rider Quartet is so called because of the bouncing rhythms of its vigorous finale, but its slow movement is one of the composer’s most emotionally searching statements. In his final string quartet, Concerto da Camera, the remarkable Czech composer Martinů pays homage to Haydn in a musical language that is both neo-classical and folk-inspired. Mendelssohn’s songful Second String Quartet reflects the pleasure he felt in visiting Britain for the first time in 1829 and the warm reception he received here. In particular, its gentle Canzonetta is one of his loveliest inventions.