Malvern Concert Club: Brodsky Quartet – Quartets 7, 8 & 9

(Introductory note to Quartets 7-9 by Paul Cassidy)

And so we arrive at the heart of the Cycle, a staging post, if you like, on the most personal journey in all of music. No.7, written in memory of his first wife Nina, is the shortest of the set. Almost Webernesque in its succinctness, it nevertheless carries poignancy, its four short movements expressing sadness, humour and anger in equal measure.

No.8, written as his own epitaph, is surely the most intimate and self-revealing work ever composed by anyone. Using his very own four note musical motif, he pours out his heart and soul onto the page, masterfully mapping out his life’s journey.

No.9 is a magnificent five movement declaration of love for his new wife, Irina. Bursting with melody, its boundless energy is intoxicating, reaching fever-pitch in the incomparable final bars which never fail to have me jumping up and down whilst trying to execute them.

Since forming in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet have performed over 3,500 concerts on the major stages of the world and released more than 70 recordings. Having recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, the Brodsky Quartet continue to enjoy a busy international performing schedule, extensively touring the major festivals and venues throughout Australasia, North and South America, Asia and Europe as well as in the UK, where the quartet is based. Their prominent presence on the international chamber music scene, as well as in a range of educational affiliations, has been ensured by their never-ending energy and craftsmanship, attracting numerous awards and accolades worldwide.