Fitzwilliam String Quartet: Shostakovich, Carwithen, Beethoven

The Fitzwilliam Quartet’s journey begins with Shostakovich’s Seventh Quartet, the shortest and most personal of his cycle – a poignant memorial to his first wife. A contemporary of Shostakovich, Doreen Carwithen’s First Quartet is suffused with lyrical, pastoral beauty yet driven by a restless and compelling dramatic energy. The programme culminates with Beethoven’s transcendental String Quartet in A minor, Opus 132. At its heart lies the “Holy Song of Thanksgiving"; an exploration of personal suffering, healing, and gratitude.

Programme

Shostakovich String Quartet No. 7

Carwithen String Quartet No. 1

Beethoven String Quartet in A minor, opus 132