Arod Quartet & Danel Quartet: Mendelssohn Octet
Four plus four is not just eight: two string quartets join forces to become more than the sum of their parts in three octets full of youthful joy.
The Danel Quartet, this season celebrating its 35th anniversary, blends with the award-winning Arod Quartet in a meeting of minds and instruments.
Together they present string octets by three very different composers.
They open with Shostakovich’s Prelude and Scherzo, Op.11, where the young composer offsets a soulful opening with a virtuosic counterbalance.
Next comes Mendelssohn’s Octet, one of his best-loved works. Written when he was only 16, it positively fizzes with energy and joy.
Finally there is a chance to hear the ambitious Octet by Enescu, again written, incredibly, when the composer was in his teens.
Performers
Arod Quartet
Danel Quartet
Repertoire
Shostakovich: 2 Pieces (Prelude & Scherzo) for octet, Op.11
Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat, Op.20
Interval
Enescu: Octet in C, Op.7
Need to know
Find out more about the music with our free programme.
View the programme
Reviews
‘The evening’s dominating pleasure was the brilliance of Quatuor Danel … who displayed such heightened finesse, such thorough commitment, such exquisite delicacy, such roaring fury … that I sat agog with wonder’
The Times
‘The Arod Quartet marries grown-up technique to the thrall and sting of youth, when every passing moment can feel overwhelmingly momentous’
Washington Post
For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
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The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
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