The Music Behind the Music: Pre-compositional thought in Benjamin Britten’s Second String Quartet

In the third lecture of the new Hans Keller Forum series, Nicky Swett presents:

Behind the Music: Pre-compositional thought in Benjamin Britten’s Second String Quartet

In his Wordless Functional Analyses, critic and broadcaster Hans Keller composed instrumental interludes that aimed to show relationships and contrasts across disparate themes and movements in a particular piece of music. His analysis of Benjamin Britten’s Second Quartet, which the composer expressed admiration for, uncovers striking aspects of one of the great 20th century String Quartets. It also illustrates elements of the Keller’s larger theory of how music works in the heart and the mind. Together with the Aestus Quartet, writer and music researcher Nicky Swett will explore Britten’s piece, Keller’s interpretation of it, and what wordless analysis might teach us about the psychology of music.

The lecture will feature live extracts performed by the Aestus Quartet, a current ChamberStudio Hans Keller Forum 22/23 ensemble. 

The Aestus Quartet is formed by Leda (Italy), Chris (U.K.), Beth (U.K) and Clara (Canada/U.S.). Formed at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2021, their name is inspired by Britten’s String Quartet No 2, its beginning being evocative of the back and forth flow of the sea tide ('aestus' in Latin).

Hannah Uzor has been Artist in Residence for Hans Keller Forum 2022/23. Hannah is holder of the Milein Cosman Scholarship for Drawing at the Slade School of Fine Art and her work will be viewable in an exhibition in the West Road Concert Hall foyer.

Hans Keller Forum (HKF) is a new ChamberStudio programme which provides in-depth mentorship for selected chamber ensembles from UK conservatoires. It runs as a set of 3-day residential courses held at West Road Concert Hall. The ensembles are coached by acclaimed chamber musicians Alasdair Beatson, John Myerscough and Richard Ireland. 

Masterclasses and Open Rehearsals on 20th April from 15.15-16.30 will be open to observers.

ChamberStudio provides coaching and support to emerging professional chamber musicians. Our programmes deliver specialised training tailored to each ensemble’s needs, creating an inspiring and nurturing community for musicians who want to focus on chamber music as a central part of their career. Our masterclasses are open to observers, and our mission is to sustain and nourish the future of chamber music and to promote it as an accessible and great artform.

Image by Milein Cosman.

HKF is funded by the Cosman Keller Art and Music Trust, the Albert and Eugenie Frost Music Trust CIO, and Philip Carne.