Borodin Quartet
Ruben Aharonian (violin), Sergey Lomovsky (violin), Igor Naidin (viola) Vladimir Balshin (cello)
Thursday 16th October 2014 – Michael Fowler Centre
I was quite excited to see the Borodin Quartet, having read about the history and internationally acclaimed reputation of the Russian group, and listened to their music on Spotify. It was the first time I had heard a string quartet live, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one! A small extension to the stage at the Michael Fowler Centre meant that the musicians were seated closer than normal to the audience (who were all seated in the stalls), creating an intimate atmosphere
Myaskovsk’s String Quartet No 13 Opus 8, in 4 movements, opened the programme. There was much hype in the press prior to the concert as Myaskovsk is a composer not often performed in New Zealand, which could be why I had never heard of him before. The piece, in particular the 2nd movement (Presto fantastico), was fantastic. If this piece is anything to judge the rest of Myaskovsk’s work by, than I think it is a great shame that he is not performed more often here!
The second piece was Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 11 in F minor Opus 122, in 7 movements. The piece was played without a break between the movements and was interesting, but a bit harder for me to follow. This could be in part due to do the inter-linked movements and heavier mood of the piece (especially in comparison to Myaskovsk). However, there was something about the intensity of the piece when performed live that was incredible and I was fascinated watching the musicians throughout the piece.
The second half moved away from the Russian composers and featured Beethoven’s String Quartet in B flat Opus 130, in 6 movements. The piece, in particular the first movement, was beautiful and heartfelt and had me captivated.
The Borodin Quartet received rapturous applause and rewarded the audience with Tchaikovsky’s Sweet Dreams, a suitable and enjoyable encore and end to an amazing night.
I highly recommend seeing the Borodin Quartet if possible!
http://www.chambermusic.co.nz/whats-on/borodin-quartet-2014
Off The Street Reviewer 