Not so long ago there used to be just two Quartets giving autumn and winter concerts around Ireland; now, thanks to the National String Quartet Foundation, there are up to a dozen Quartets annually giving over eighty concerts in towns all over the country. Lir Quartet has visited Bantry many times, first appearing in the Festival’s masterclass series ten years, playing regularly since then and becoming the talented ensemble that we hear every year.
Brian Boydell is fondly remembered by our Festival for being one of the Festival’s first supporters all of thirty years ago. His two-movement Second Quartet was performed by Carducci Quartet in the 11th Festival before they went on to make a highly successful recording. The lyrical opening movement builds slowly to a magically sustained conclusion leading to a lively and exciting Allegro.
Janáček’s Second Quartet invites us into the torrid imagination inspired by the seventy-year-old composer's seemingly unrequited affair with a married woman thirty-eight years younger. From the first bar the music bursts into flames with a passionate theme, which will recur throughout the four movements. His passionate letters tell the music’s story: Today I set to music my tenderest desire. I fought with it. It prevailed. It was like a birth. What would the destiny of this son have been – simply as we are, passing from tears to laughter?
Dvořák’s 14th Quartet was his last, part composed in America, part on his delighted return to his home in Czechoslovakia. Dvořák was not one for wild, passionate affairs, but he had the knack of composing one magnificent melody after another, so much so he made Brahms jealous. His biggest adventures were his trips to America. His experience of American music coupled with his longing to return home inspired his most famous music including this joyful Quartet.
Mulled wine will be served in the interval in case Janáček’s passionate inspiration does not warm you enough!
Admission: €25 full price €10 students
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