This was a performance that was technically rigorous and expressively taxing, but the Brodsky struck a mesmerising balance between the intensity of their engagement and the relaxed composure of their delivery. The Brodsky’s natural ease in each other’s musical company – it’s astonishing to think that they have been performing together since 1972 – exercised a powerful influence on my response to these works that sometimes probe into disturbing expressive realms. Though their eclectic programme brought together varied responses to wars from the last hundred years, focusing our attention on grief, loss, regret and anger, there was no morbidity, only deep reflection – and, joy in shared music-making informed by the knowledge and consolation that from human cruelty, conflict and suffering can come creative expression, reconciliation and redemption.

George Crumb (b.1929) – Black Angels (Images I)Īfter all the Requiems, settings of the WWI poets, and other cultural rituals of remembrance, this London Chamber Music Society recital, In Time of War, by the Brodsky Quartet at Kings Place was characteristically idiosyncratic and insightful, challenging and refreshing. Karen Tanaka (b.1961) – At the grave of Beethoven (1999)Įrwin Schulhoff – String Quartet No.1 (1924)ĭmitri Shostakovich – String Quartet No.8 in C minor (CS) Brodsky Quartet (c) Martina Simkovicova United Kingdom Tanaka, Schulhoff, Shostakovich, Brubeck, Crumb: Brodsky Quartet (Daniel Rowland & Ian Belton, Paul Cassidy, Jacqueline Thomas ), Kings Place, London.

Black angels crumb symbolism