Shostakovich     String Quartet No. 4 in D major, Op. 83

Shostakovich     String Quartet No. 6 in G major, Op. 101

Shostakovich     String Quartet No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 92

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 4-6 by Paul Cassidy)

Quartet No.4 is a glorious and loving gift to the Jewish people who, like himself, were so harshly treated by the regime. It abounds with their folk songs and musical gestures, a most heartfelt and touching affair.

The sixth quartet finds the composer in a very settled mood. Supposedly written as a little birthday present to himself, it trots along seemingly without a care in the world. Its almost incessant serenity is most uncharacteristic and surprising, an endless conveyor belt of effortless melody.

No.5 is a symphony for string quartet. Its origins lie in an ill-fated affair Shostakovich had with a fellow composer, Galina Ustvolskaya. It is rumoured that he proposed marriage to her on more than one occasion and when the relationship ended, he poured out his emotions into this piece. Its three majestic movements unfold seamlessly, plumbing the depths and surfing the highs as we travel musically from the vast open spaces of Russia, to Hawaii briefly, and eventually to heaven itself.

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)