Revolutionary Drawing Room & Andrew Skidmore - Musikverein
Sun 27 Oct 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Heath Street Baptist Church, NW3 1DN
Description
Members of the Revolutionary Drawing Room specialise in music of 18th-19th century Europe, and have been described as “…a formidable quartet, whose virtuosity is matched by their insightful attention to every detail.” (EARLY MUSIC REVIEW) They are joined by guest artist Andrew Skidmore.
The Quartettsatz (D. 703), a single movement of an unfinished string quartet is an exciting example of Schubert’s mature style, despite his age of 23 at the time of composition. Only eight years later, while revolutions were brewing in Europe, the still young Schubert was grappling with his own mortality after having contracted syphilis. The sublime slow movement of the String Quintet in C major (D. 956), completed only two months before his passing, has been regarded as the essence of coming to terms with death.
The Wiener Musikverein, or Viennese Music Association is a prestigious organisation, founded by one of Beethoven’s friends in 1812 with the purpose of promoting music. Schubert applied to become a member in 1818. Ironically, he did not get accepted. However, some of his pieces, including the String Quintet, were premiered at their concert hall of the same name, posthumously.
Programme
F. Schubert - Quartetsatz, D.703
F. Schubert - Quintet in C major, D. 956
Location
Heath Street Baptist Church, NW3 1DN