Resonating Misty Isles of Albion. Čiurlionis Quartet, Antanas Taločka

Performers: ČIURLIONIS QUARTET ANTANAS TALOČKA (clarinet)

Program: FRANK BRIDGE – String Quartet No. 2 in G minor, H. 115 RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS – String Quartet No. 2 in A minor ARTHUR SOMERVELL – Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in G major

The Čiurlionis Quartet, which prepares interesting programs every time, has long been interested in and performing the works of the famous British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Having played the First String Quartet by this author and being captivated by the brightness and spaciousness of his musical language, the quartet members are now presenting his Second String Quartet. The idea to include more British music in their programs was also encouraged by clarinetist Antanas Taločka, who suggested performing Arthur Somervell's quintet together. Composed in 1913, this work is considered a discovery and a masterpiece of late Romanticism today. Although A. Somervell wrote mostly for voice, he played the clarinet well, but it is interesting that this opus for clarinet and string quartet is the author's only chamber work. The influence of Johannes Brahms is felt here; singing melodies and the solemnity of a hymn are woven through four movements, variations flow swiftly, and we even hear quite a few impressive exotic episodes. Unfortunately, the quartet had fallen into oblivion because its premiere took place in 1919, when a new, modern style had already taken full hold, and everything related to the Romantic era was considered outdated. Today, it is said that this wonderful, emotional music is undoubtedly worthy of living on concert stages.