Musical Unrest: From Perpetual Motion to Peace

Musaeus with guests Nigel Boehm,  cello, Ronelle Schaufele, violin

From its exotic-sounding opening through its innovative harmonies, Beethoven’s String Quartet in E Flat Major, nicknamed the “Harp”, is a work of endearing elegance.  Its heightened expressiveness captivates the listener with unexpected contrasts.  The finesse of Beethoven’s composing at this point in his life hints at a maturity far beyond his age.  The Harp String Quartet is angelic to hear, and devilish to play.

Who says Romantic composers aren’t actually romantic?  Brahms string sextet #2 in G major has a little secret: it includes a reference to Agathe von Seibold, to whom Brahms had been briefly engaged some years previously.  In the first movement, the notes A-G-A-H-E appear, spelling Agathe’s name.   From its exotic opening to its melodic contrasts, this work never fails to captivate.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

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Introspection, Melancholy, and Exuberance: Music  in Every Tone Colour

Musaeus with guest Joan Rogers, clarinet

Brahms had retired from composing, but impressed with the virtuosity of a fellow musician, he was inspired to create a work for clarinet and string quartet, a rare combination.  Brahms embraced technicality in all ranges of the clarinet, creating a powerful conversation between clarinet and strings.  This music of Brahms takes one on an incredible journey that includes spectacular beauty and rich texture.

Not to be outdone, Dvorak’s work is one of restlessness, with unsettled harmonies and rhythms.  Dvorak linked this work to the traditional Russian Christmas, a time of frivolity, tipsy carol singing, and riotous celebration, a wild way to ring in 2025!

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Please note that at this time we are only to accept cash and credit.

Musical Time Travel - Enjoying Life in 19th Century Italy

Musaeus with guests Aliva Khvatova, violin, Julie Amundsen, cello

Music influences emotions.  The “Souvenir de Florence”, a highlight of this program, clearly moves the listener.  Tchaikovsky found composing for a sextet quite a challenge, and yet he capably depicts emotional shifts from violence to calmness to romance.  He noted one section should be “just discernible, like summer lightning” and another to be played with “great fire and passion”.  All together, the music captures a wide range of feelings, making Tchaikovsky remark “I’m terribly pleased with myself”.  We think you’ll be just as pleased hearing it live.

Schubert’s string quartet in A Minor is based on a theme from the incidental music for “Rosamunde”, lending the quartet its nickname.  Keen listeners will hear hints of Beethoven’s 7th symphony, played last season by the LSO, in the “Rosamunde” quartet’s second movement.  Schubert sneaked in a reference to a melody from another of his songs in the third movement, and did it so well that it took over 100 years for anyone to notice!  This work reveals the heart of the composer himself.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Please note that at this time we are only to accept cash and credit.

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Traditional tunes and uncommon forms from around the world.

Megan Wittig, soprano & Musaeus String Quartet

Last Leaf, by the Danish String Quartet, is based on traditional Nordic tunes, from more refined waltzes and minuets to the wilder fare of polkas and reels, arranged for string quartet. Musaeus brings to the stage a selection of these myriad dance tunes.

Dedicated to a Hungarian count, the “Emperor” string quartet is one of Haydn’s most ambitious works.  A colleague of Haydn’s noted the work is “full of invention, fire, good taste, and new effects”. Fasten your seatbelt in preparation for a composition filled with uncommon forms and tempos. 

Special guest Megan Wittig sings songs inspired by chivalry and courtly love, with a slight touch of irreverent humour. Passed down through the ages, these songs can be based on passion, poetry - or politics, the jokes understood by medieval audiences “in the know”.

Selections from the "Last Leaf"; Collection by the Danish String Quartet

"Emperor"; String Quartet Op. 76, No. 3 by Franz Joseph Haydn

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Masterpieces highlighting the style of Czech folk music and spirited Bohemian folk dance.

Brad Parker, piano & Musaeus String Quartet

Alternating between exuberant melodies and slow rich refrains, this concert brings the best works of Dvorak and Smetana to life. Elaborate theme transformations engage you, as melancholy melodies, supported by stately accompaniment, are juxtaposed with light-hearted and spirited themes.  Based on folk music and dance, these refrains are more richly embroidered each time they are heard in each work, evoking the beloved landscapes of these composers.

Piano Quintet No. 2, Opus 81 by Antonin Dvorak

String Quartet No. 1 in E minor by Bedrich Smetana

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Celebrate two giants of the classical world. 

Christine Bootland, cello & Musaeus String Quartet

Schubert and Mozart - these two composers stand head and shoulders above many of their classical counterparts. This concert showcases two string quintets far surpassing similar works with their sheer genius. Schubert’s quintet, his last, was praised as having “bottomless pathos”, and broke through the misconception that Schubert composed only songs and piano pieces.  Mozart’s quintet, nicknamed “Dissonance” due to its unusually slow introduction, is perhaps his most famous.  It was dedicated to Haydn, who said Mozart was the greatest living composer he knew.  What better accolades could any composer wish for? What better repertoire to begin a new concert season?

String Quintet in C Major, D 956 by Franz Schubert

String Quartet No. 19 "Dissonance", K. 465 by W.A. Mozart

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Come celebrate the work of inspiring female composers!
Deanna Oye & Musaeus String Quartet. Fun for all ages.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Enjoy music that celebrates what it means to be diverse.
Joan Rogers & Musaeus String Quartet.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.