Thoughts on this Saturday’s Concert
By BSQ Cellist Laura Usiskin
The opening of Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 jumps off the page like a pup set loose or kid in a candy store. All four instruments enter together with a bang, then the second violin and viola create a bubbling motor while the first violin and cello have a “conversation” that returns again and again throughout the movement. The music exudes fun, lightness, and joy.
Quartets aim to evoke this spirit with seeming effortlessness, but the audience only sees the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, quartets like BSQ spend countless hours to make it happen. From choosing the speed of the piece to balancing the four parts, the group coordinates endless decisions and details. Should the cello’s first note be loud or loud then soft? Should the second violin create a sound that’s light, crispy, or bouncing…or something else? Quartets discuss, disagree, decide, rehash, change their minds, then rehearse some more. It may sound tedious, but we love and embrace the journey. In fact, we often find the journey to be just as important as the final product.
This focus on collaboration, process, and commitment in an aim to create something beautiful is a cornerstone of PhoenixPhest, a chamber music organization in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Started by BSQ violist Gabe Bolkosky, PhoenixPhest is dedicated to providing a quality, nurturing, inspirational environment to musicians of all ages and abilities. Students work with world-class faculty to explore making music as a team and to enjoy their musical journeys in preparation for a final performance. Now two decades old, the organization has impacted thousands of children and adults through its Memorial Day weekend workshop (“MayPhest”) and week-long summer institute (PhoenixPhest Grande).
BSQ is excited and honored to present a fundraising concert for PhoenixPhest on November 30, 7pm, featuring Beethoven’s Op. 18 No. 6 and Philip Glass’s “Suite from Bent.” In an effort to share our music with as many people as possible, we will be live-streaming the concert to the world via Facebook. That’s right, you don’t have to leave your living room to experience it! We hope our journey of these wonderful pieces comes through and that our performance spurs you to support this wonderful organization. So, reheat your Thanksgiving leftovers, and join us for this worthy cause.