Works aimed for 'harmonic delight'
As a result of the publication of L’Estro Armonico in 1711, Antonio Vivaldi rose like a glittering star to the orchestral firmament. Vivaldi brings his unique range of seductive techniques into play: compelling ritornelli, sparkling melodies and a matchless rhythmic verve. Three centuries later, this motoric rhythm still reverberates in the Triple Quartet by minimalist Steve Reich. Like Vivaldi’s concerti, Reich’s composition for three string quartets is immediately accessible to the listener, though a difficult feat for the musicians. Ligeti’s Ramifications was also written for twelve string instruments, half of which are tuned a quarter tone lower. The result is a completely different sort of harmonic enthralment: a sound world that is seemingly amorphous but has a mesmerizing appeal. Two compositions complete this timeless feast of innovative string music: Karel Goeyvaerts‘ Zang van Aquarius – here in an arrangement for eight violins – and a brand-new concerto for strings and electronics by Matt Wright.