From the classical period to contemporary music: the quartet enjoys delving into the musical language and traditions associated with each style. This curiosity is an important part of their musical identity and ensures that they approach their repertoire with enthusiasm, energy, and an open mind. The Atlas Quartet aims to explore the string quartet repertoire in all its diversity and share it with a broad audience. In doing so, the musicians seek a balance between respect for the score and room for a personal, fresh interpretation.
The Atlas Quartet has performed at various venues, including the Eduard Flipse Hall at De Doelen, Theater Ludens in Voorburg, and De Harmonie in Rotterdam. In addition to their concert activities, the musicians invest heavily in their development as an ensemble. They receive regular coaching from renowned chamber music teachers, including Eva Stegeman, Karin Dolman, and Marc Danel. Through these lessons, they are encouraged not only to play together at a high technical and musical level, but also to develop their own sound and artistic identity as a quartet.
Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Strijkkwartet no. 19 in C groot, K465 'Dissonant
Caroline Shaw (1982 - )
Entr'acte
Erwin Schulhoff (1894–1942)
Fünf Stücke für Streichquartett, WV68
Program information:
The concert opens with Mozart’s Nineteenth String Quartet in C major, K. 465, the last of the six quartets he dedicated to Joseph Haydn. It is a remarkable work within Mozart’s quartet repertoire, not least because of the way he handles the four parts of the instruments. With this quartet, Mozart reveals a different, more expressive side of his musical language.
After Mozart, we take a leap into the twenty-first century with*Entr’acte* by the American composer Caroline Shaw. Shaw is known for her ability to seamlessly connect musical ideas from different periods and traditions. In her music, recognizable elements from classical music can suddenly blend with modern harmonies and unconventional playing techniques.
The concert concludes with Erwin Schulhoff’s*Fünf Stücke für Streichquartett*. This 1923 work consists of five short movements centered on various dances and dance styles. Schulhoff takes these recognizable forms as his starting point but gives each one a unique and often humorous twist.
Lineup:
Lluc Montmany Sancho – violin
Pep Amengual Moral – violin
Thijs van der Linden – viola
Joan Fiol Dols – cello