Our fourth concert features three chamber works that explore the complex and intimate landscape of grief. A fearless resolve, the confrontation with death, and the power of memory.

Shostakovich’s 11th string quartet was dedicated to the loss of a close friend, a violinist of the Beethoven Quartet (a group that played much of his chamber works) and through seven interconnected movements, we’re taken through a rather desolate and personal elegy.

Beethoven’s final string quartet, op. 135, was written in the final months of his life. It demonstrates an enduring creative spirit - tragedy mixed with joy, desperation mixed with humor. Its finale is titled “Der Schwer gefasste Entschluss” (The difficult resolution) and is inscribed with the musical question “Muss es sein?” (Must it be?) and answered, “Es muss sein!” (It must be!).

Finally, Erwin Schulhoff’s string sextet. A composer affected by the tragedies of war - serving in the first world war, and eventually losing his life to the Holocaust in 1942. This piece was written over the span of four years (1920-24) and illustrates an evolution of style and inspiration. It is music that sits between the old and new and tries to grapple with man-made devastation.

Suggested admission $20/ $25