Shostakovich    String Quartet No. 13 in B flat minor, Op. 138

Shostakovich    String Quartet No. 14 in F sharp major, Op. 142

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 13-14 by Paul Cassidy)

The untimely death of Vasili Shirinsky, the 2nd violin of the Beethoven Quartet, led Shostakovich to write four quartets dedicated to the four members of that group who had worked with him so closely.

The infamously brooding and personal timbre of the viola leads our composer to a particularly dark and lonely place in No.13. Though it often shows signs of a loving character, this is a troubled soul who cannot escape the walls of his tortured mind. Even the quirky central ‘jazz’ section is confused and goes by in a bit of a blur. This poor unfortunate being inevitably ends up alone, screaming with pent up frustration in a perfect musical depiction of that celebrated Munch painting.

In No.14, Shostakovich seems to do the exact opposite by presenting the cello with a series of roles not necessarily typical of that instrument. The first and last movements are frivolous and enigmatic, our protagonist inhabiting a daydream world. It is in the middle movement that real life comes to call, but even here, in the glorious love duet with the first violin, the cello most unusually takes the upper line, creating a particularly heart-breaking effect. Equally, even here, the music is heavily tinged with nostalgia.

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: £22 centre and £12 sides | £1 students and children

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