“ESCHER RETURNS TO COTUIT”, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cotuit, MA

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

W.A. MOZART   (1756 – 1791)
String Quartet No. 17 in B-flat Major, K. 458 (“The Hunt”)
Allegro vivace assai
Menuetto:  Moderato; Trio
Adagio
Allegro assai

B. BARTÓK (1881 – 1945)
String Quartet No. 3 in C-sharp Minor, BB. 93, Sz. 85 (1927)
Prima parte:  Moderato
Seconda parte:  Allegro
Ricapitulazione della prima parte:  Moderato
Coda:  Allegro molto
[performed in one continuous movement]

M. RAVEL (1875 – 1937)
String Quartet in F Major (1903)
Allegro moderato—très doux
Assez vif—très rythmé
Très lent
Vif et agité