Chiaroscuro Quartet

The acclaimed Chiaroscuro Quartet brings the bygone era of Haydn and Beethoven back to life.

The Chiaroscuro Quartet has been described as ‘a trailblazer for the authentic performance of High Classical chamber music’ (Gramophone). Playing on gut strings with bows from the early 19th century, and led by violinist Alina Ibragimova, the quartet has been internationally praised for its performances of Viennese classics. Its subtle sound, evoking bygone candlelit worlds, brings the era of Haydn and Beethoven vividly to life.

As the pioneer of the string quartet, Haydn made space for each instrument to shine – from the violin’s vibrato to the cello’s bass notes. This development in musical history is beautifully demonstrated by two from Haydn’s Op 33 set, paving the way for the genre’s next hundred years.

The quartet then performs the first of Beethoven’s expansive Op 59 quartets which were commissioned by his patron Count Razumovsky. The three Razumovsky quartets broke down boundaries, pushing quartet music into new, expressive territories.

The Warm Up: Queens Hall

Festival Director Nicola Benedetti highlights the morning ritual of chamber concerts at the Queens Hall, and how this special atmosphere of calm and concentration is the perfect start to your Festival day.

The Warm Up: Queens Hall

Buy standard price tickets to three or more concerts at The Queen’s Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.

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    Programme

    A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.

    Haydn String Quartet in G Op 33 No 5

    Haydn String Quartet in B flat Op 33 No 4

    Beethoven String Quartet in F Op 59 No 1 ‘Razumovsky’