String Quartet Biennale 2024 - Opening concert: Danish String Quartet

Opening concert

In Adès' Four Quarters, the composer's historical awareness coincides with his contemporary musical language. In Three Divertimenti, his compatriot Britten takes an advance on his later string quartets. And, of course, Schubert's Der Tod und das Mädchen is an immortal masterpiece.

In Der Tod und das Mädchen, Schubert uses his song as the theme for the second movement's variations. The entire quartet is in a minor key, with a single major turn evoking typical Schubertian melancholy. The members of the Danish Quartet, born in the 80s, love vintage cars and computer games. Yet they fully feel Schubert's Weltschmerz.

'In Amsterdam, the men played Schubert's Der Tod und das Mädchen, intense, direct and with great depth. The pinnacle of string quartet playing.' (Het Parool)

Pre-opening in Entrance Hall

From 6.45 pm, young string players from neighbourhood talent orchestras from Amsterdam will play string quartets in the Entrance Hall. Entrance is free.