Lutosławski Quartet (6/22/17)

String Quartet – Introductory Movement; Main Movement –
Witold Lutosławski
String Quartet No. 3 – Paweł Mykietyn
String Quartet No. 4 – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Movements –
Marcin Markowicz
 
This rather young Polish string quartet (established in 2007) played three Polish string quartets. The Lutosławski indeed had a very brief introductory movement that was essentially a solo for the first violin before segueing into the second, main, movement. Modern in style and harmonies, I didn’t really take too many notes. While I wasn’t turned off by it, I also wasn’t really moved by it either. In fact, I took very few notes at all about any of the pieces on the program.
 
The Mykietyn, as announced from the stage, was heavily influenced by the Lutosławski. If memory serves, the first violin acted as a metronome at the beginning—tapping his violin with his hand while the others entered and played on the strings of their instruments. At one time or another, each player used his instrument as a makeshift percussion instrument. The cellist even went so far as to tap on the end pin (the metal pin that balances the cello on the floor) with his bow. The entire work was interesting, if a little weird.
 
The Markowicz work was also influenced by Lutosławski. We know this because the composer told us so himself. Mr. Markowicz is the second violinist in the quartet—Bartos Woroch, violin; Marcin Markowicz, violin; Artur Rozmysłowicz, viola; Maciej Młodawski, cello. To me, the most interesting thing about the work was that each movement began in essentially the same way. Once again, the work was interesting but I wasn’t overwhelmed.
 
I probably would not seek out this group or any of the three works again but, as always, I find it interesting to hear works by living composers, especially when the composers are also present at the concert.

ConcertMeister