PROGRAM REVIEWS
PROGRAM REVIEWS for the individual concerts will be posted here as they become available.
ARIS QUARTETT, NOVEMBER 5. 2023
Chamber Music Society of Utica - Our 83rd year!
On Sunday, November 5th, at 2:30 PM, the Chamber Music Society of Utica presented its second concert of its 83rd season featuring the outstanding ARIS QUARTETT. The concert took place at Munson, 310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York.
This program included works by Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, and Franz Schubert. The Aris Quartett is based in Frankfurt, Germany and was formed in 2009.
As they began to play, I was immediately drawn into the intimacy and intensity of the music by their expressive and passionate playing. The elegance of their formal wear of gowns and tuxedos matched the supreme elegance and refinement of their playing.
The second violinist spoke of the music being,“close to their hearts which awakened in them emotions that allowed them to create their own unique sound.” They were proud to present the String Quartet in E flat Major by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. A woman composer in the 1800’s was not allowed to publish her music so the ensemble was particularly pleased to give this brilliant composer the platform she deserves.
There were thrilling moments when the velocity of their playing reached a speed that was not to be believed. The encore of a “Tarantella” continued to display their flawless technique, speed and musicianship. The standing ovation was immediate and I left the hall feeling breathless and amazed!
The Aris Quartett has performed extensively at venues across Europe for more than a decade. They made their first U.S. tour last February in major west coast cities.
Their 6 CDs have received considerable acclaim from critics.
The Frye family sponsored this concert in memory of Richard Allen Frye.
Anita Humer
Professional pianist, accompanist and piano teacher
Staff pianist at Colgate University
Serves on boards of CMSU, the Leschetizky Piano Organization, NYC
and the Monday Evening Music Club of Norwich NY
AND FROM OUR AUDIENCE
John H. Orr–
The internationally renowned European Aris Quartet selected a rich and challenging program featuring a brother and sister pairing. The concert began with Felix Mendelssohn’s first String Quartet (in E-flat major). The group’s precision and gorgeous tone were obvious from the start, especially in pianissimo passages. The novelty of the program – Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s String Quartet also in E-flat Major – displayed a style and compositional maturity equal to her older brother’s. The Aris gave it a stunning and personal interpretation that deserved the standing ova:on it received.
To complete the aTernoon, the String Quartet No. 13 by Franz Schubert -- nicknamed “Rosamunde” and one of the mainstays of the repertoire – received a polished, bravura reading that emphasized the composer’s love of melody and lyricism.