Shostakovich      String Quartet No. 1 in C major, Op. 49

Shostakovich      String Quartet No. 2 in A major, Op. 68

Shostakovich      String Quartet No. 3 in F major, Op. 73

Leamington Music is delighted to bring to the Royal Pump Rooms a rare and exhilarating opportunity to hear all of Shostakovich’s incredible 15 string quartets across six concerts in one weekend.

(Introductory note to Quartets 1-3 by Paul Cassidy)

The intimacy of bringing a child into the world inspired Shostakovich to turn to that most intimate of all musical forces, the string quartet. Rather like a child, his first quartet is small scale – full of innocence and wonder, becoming more and more spirited, fun-filled and daring.

His second quartet could not be more different. It is a colossal tour de force. The celebratory first movement is followed by one of the most captivating slow movements ever; a wondrous fusion of baroque and jazz. A whirlwind scherzo gives way to a magnificent set of variations which build in speed to a huge life affirming ending.

In the third quartet, we find Shostakovich in unmistakable voice. This extraordinary work takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride from happy-go-lucky, through war and death, to a place where, if you’ve survived, your brow-beaten, exhausted mind tries to make sense of it all.

The Brodsky Quartet have performed over 3,000 concerts on the major stages of the world and released more than 60 recordings. The Quartet are among the most beloved interpreters of Dmitri Shostakovich’s music, a creative relationship that goes back to 1972, the year they formed.

The artists themselves put it best, saying: “We invite you to join us in celebrating the most magical and intimate journey in all music. Come and revel in the personal diaries of one of the world’s greatest ever musicians. Initially inspired by life – the birth of his son – and finishing with our collective demise, these masterpieces address family, friends, enemies and lovers; with every conceivable emotion explored. We promise you a rollercoaster. Take the ride!”

Immerse yourself or select as you wish – tickets are available per concert, per day, or for the whole weekend experience.

Tickets: £27 centre and £17 sides | £1 students and children

Full Weekend Saver:   £120 (centre) | £70 (sides)
Saturday Saver:   £72 (centre) | £46 (sides)
Sunday Saver:   £60 (centre) | £32 (sides)