“ESCHER AND THE JONS IN FALMOUTH”, Simon Center for the Arts, Falmouth Academy, Falmouth, MA

Joined by the CCCMF’s Co-Artistic Directors Jon Manasse (clarinet) and Jon Nakamatsu (piano), the Escher String Quartet returns to the Festival for the fifth time. The ESQ has received acclaim for its profound musical insight and rare tonal beauty. A former BBC New Generation Artist and recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the quartet has performed at the BBC Proms at Cadogan Hall and is a regular guest at Wigmore Hall. In its hometown of New York, the ensemble serves as season artists of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Earlier this season, the Escher String Quartet embarked upon a major project – performances of the complete cycle of quartets by Bela Bartok, culminating in a single concert performance of all six at Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Eloquent, full-blooded playing… The four players offer a beautiful blend of individuality and accord.  – BBC Music Magazine

Escher String Quartet
Adam Barnett-Hart, violin
Brendan Speltz, violin
Pierre Lapointe, viola
Brook Speltz, cello

Jon Manasse, clarinet
Jon Nakamatsu, piano

G. FAURÉ (1845 – 1924)
Quartet No. 1 in C Minor for violin, viola, cello and piano, Opus 15
Allegro molto moderato
Scherzo:  Allegro vivo
Adagio
 Allegro molto
       Jon Nakamatsu, piano
 

J. BRAHMS (1833 – 1897)
Quintet in B Minor for string quartet and clarinet, Opus 115
Allegro
Adagio
Andantino
Con moto
        Jon Manasse, clarinet