Description

Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the art of the ensemble through time and across traditions – from folk and gypsy melodies to rock n roll and beyond.
 
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The award-winning Rasa String Quartet investigates the Art of the String Quartet and how the function of each member of the ensemble transformed through time and across traditions. The program begins with the early days of the formal string quartet in Vienna (W.A. Mozart) and Paris (Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges), travels across the globe through a colorful variety of cultural traditions in folk dances by José Elizondo and the Danish String Quartet, and ends with a juxtaposition of two 21st century approaches to the string quartet tradition in masterpieces by Caroline Shaw and Aleksandra Vrebalov.
 
Tune in on www.rockportmusic.org, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.
 
With each piece, they will demonstrate every instrument’s role (as a homophonic melody, countermelody, solo voice, etc.) how the role of each instrument has changed over time, and how the function of the string quartet itself has evolved depending on cultural influences and era (folk melodies, gypsy melodies, mariachi bands, rock and roll, and extended techniques).
 
Also, this program includes a piece by black composer, Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint George, that we don't think has ever been recorded before and it would be really cool to have a high-quality video recording of it!
 
Program
MOZART: Divertimento in F Major, K 138
JOSEPH BOLOGNE, Chevalier de St-Georges: String Quartet VI in Bb Major
ELIZONDO: Estampas Mexicanas - I. Ferial, III. Teotlalli
DANISH QUARTET: Old Reinlender From Sønndala
CAROLINE SHAW: Valencia
VREBALOV: Pannonia Boundless
 
ABOUT
Rasa String Quartet was formed in 2019 in Boston, MA, and is quickly emerging as one of New England’s finest young ensembles. In 2020, they won 1st prize in the Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition and were selected as finalists for the Lakes Area Music Festival String Quartet Residency. They have been coached by distinguished artists such as Kim Kashkashian, Yeesun Kim, and Lucy Chapman, and have performed all across the New England area - including multiple appearances at Shalin Liu Performance Center and the TCAN Center for Arts. By performing repertoire from the classical, world, and folk genres at the highest level of artistry, Rasa String Quartet cultivates experiences that provoke powerful and uplifting emotions, foster meaningful connections, and help the classical culture become more accessible to all.