NSQF Autumn Series: Esposito Quartet
Venezualan-born Raynaldo Hahn was a popular figure in the musical salons of Paris before the first world war and is best known for his many songs influenced by the style of Massenet and Fauré, as well as his operettas and musical comedies. His lovely first string quartet from 1939 looks back to the influence of Ravel, Erik Satie and Fauré.
Seóirse Bodley, who died in 2023, was one of the most important composers of twentieth-century art music in Ireland. His fourth quartet was commissioned by RTÉ for the Vanbrugh Quartet’s 21st anniversary in 2007.
Alexander Glazunov was a member of the "Belyayev Circle" in St Petersburg, a group of composers connected with the wealthy patron, amateur musician and publisher Mitrofan Belyayev who supported emerging composers and musicians, frequently holding salons in his palatial estate. It was for one of these gatherings in 1886 that a 21-year-old Glazunov composed his Novelettes for string quartet. This concert includes three of them: Orientale, Interludium in modo antico and All’Ungharese
Shostakovich wrote his short, charming and brilliant first quartet in 1938, shortly after the successful premiere of his fifth symphony. He started writing it on the second birthday of his daughter and said that he ‘visualized childhood scenes… and bright moods associated with spring’.
Featured Artists
Esposito Quartet: Mia Cooper, violin; Anna Cashell, violin; Joachim Roewer, viola; William Butt, cello.
Programme
Raynaldo Hahn - String Quartet No.1 in A minor [1939]
Seóirse Bodley - String Quartet No.4 [2007]
Glazunov - Three Novelettes Nos.2,3,5 [1886]
Shostakovich - String Quartet No.1 [1938]
Venues & Dates
LISTOWEL - Wednesday 22nd October at 8pm - St John’s Theatre & Arts Centre
ENNIS - Thursday 23rd October at 8pm - glór
BIRR - Friday 24th October at 8pm - Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
CASTLEPOLLARD - Saturday 25th October at 7pm - Tullynally Castle - presented by Derravaragh Music Association
DUBLIN - Sunday 26th October at 3pm - National Concert Hall