A Meaningful Project
In the summer of 2022, the Gerhard Quartet began an exciting exploration of Dmitri Shostakovich’s string quartets. This adventure, celebrated as part of the Torroella de Montgrí Festival and the Donostiarra Musical Fortnight, culminates this August with six unforgettable concerts, which include a selection of some of the most representative works of the Russian composer.
Final Concerts: A Moments Aci for Classical Music
On Friday the 9th of this month, the members of the quartet, Lluís Castán and Judit Bardolet on the violin, Miquel Jordà on the viola and Jesús Miralles on the cello, will offer two consecutive concerts at Auditori Espai Ter. With a performance that will include the Seventh, Fourteenth, Second and Fifteenth Quartet, as well as the Elegy and the Polka, they promise a fascinating musical experience.
Shostakovich’s Revelation
Miquel Jordà shares with us his impression of this music of contrasts. The members of the quartet reveal how each work has been an enriching and unexpected discovery, with an approach that challenges preconceived clichés about the composer, who was more than a cold figure: he was an artist with a deep musical sensibility.
The Legacy of the Fifteenth Quartet
Shostakovich’s fifteenth quartet is presented as the culmination of a life dedicated to writing the string quartet. In a moment of fragile health, heir to his original aspiration to create 24 quartets, the final work becomes an emotional testimony that reflects both his personal experience and his artistic career.
A Rare Opportunity
The idea of performing a comprehensive set of quartets was born in Sant Sebastià, a proposal that the Gerhard Quartet could not pass up. This unique occasion has allowed them to explore Shostakovich’s works in depth, and their dedication to each musical nuance has been a profound learning journey.
The Audience’s Passionate Reaction
The concerts have generated great interest and palpable dedication from the public, which shows their love for the composer. This positive response is hugely valued at festivals like Torroella, where bold programs attract enthusiastic audiences.
The Importance of Shostakovich in Modern Music
Shostakovich is a fundamental pillar for understanding not only his time, but also the evolution of music in the 20th and 21st centuries. His string quartet work is comparable to that of great masters such as Beethoven and Schubert, and his musical language is immediately recognisable: a characteristic that makes him stand out in the history of music.
Reflecting on Musical Growth
The depth of study of this project has meant a great growth for the quartet, both technically and artistically. Preparing an integral is a process that transforms the way you interpret and connect with the quartets, thus enriching your career as performers.
Future and Aspirations
On the horizon, the Gerhard Quartet is considering the idea of recording an integral of Shostakovich’s quartets, but they recognize that it is essential to mature sufficiently before tackling this task. With the final concerts just around the corner, they look forward to sharing their experience with the audience and continuing to grow together through music.
Tickets for the Final Experience
Those interested can purchase tickets for the last concerts of Shostakovich’s complete series through the link provided. This is an opportunity for a transcendent musical experience.
