A Promising Start at the Auditorium
On November 20, the Barcelona Auditorium hosted the Quartet Biennial, a musical event that began with two notable performances: the Gerhard Quartet and the Modigliani Quatuor. The former presented the premiere of ‘Vers l’infinit’, a work by Ramon Humet, while the latter performed classical pieces by Ravel and Beethoven.
Exploring ‘Towards Infinity’
‘Vers l’infinit’, a recent composition commissioned by the Auditori, is the result of Ramon Humet’s inspiration after a period of reflection in the nature of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees. This piece, which combines a string quartet with quartz crystal bowls, seeks to create a unique auditory experience, structured in nine movements with evocative names such as ‘Quiet’ and ‘Interstellar Journey’.
A Controversial Auditory Experience
Despite the originality of its approach, the work was perceived as excessively repetitive, lasting over an hour. The initial beauty of the piece was overshadowed by a lack of dynamics that, at times, made it difficult to maintain the audience’s interest.
The Quatuor Modigliani: A Musical Magic
The Modigliani Quartet began their concert with Ravel’s Quartet in F major, Op. 35, a work that reflects the composer’s youth and promising talent, imbued with the typical Mediterranean warmth. The quartet’s performance was a demonstration of their distinctive style, characterized by a delicate and expressive touch.
A Sublime Interpretation
With each movement, the Modigliani Quartet displayed their skill, from the ‘Très lent’, which led to emotional depth, to the ‘Vif et agité’, which culminated in an explosion of vivacity and cohesion. Their ability to maintain the balance between intensity and precision was remarkable.
A Journey Through Beethoven
With the Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59, the musicians raised the bar even higher. Their performance captured the essence of Beethoven, conveying a blend of tension and beauty that resonated deeply with the audience. Every note was a manifestation of their passion for music, and the ‘Molto Adagio’ was a moment of pure magic.
An Apotheotic Ending
The concert culminated with a ‘Finale Presto’ that left the audience with a sense of euphoria, almost as if they had attended a horse race. The applause was intense, reflecting the impact that the performance had had on all in attendance.
Schubert’s Legacy
To conclude their performance, the Quatuor Modigliani paid tribute to Schubert, demonstrating a deep knowledge of the composer. This choice resonated with the audience, highlighting the versatility and dedication of this quartet to chamber music.
Final Reflection
The Quartet Biennial was not only a celebration of music, but also a reminder of the power it has to connect people. With such diverse performances, the audience experienced an emotional journey that began with introspection and culminated in an explosion of passion, a testament to the richness of classical music and its continuous evolution.