Fitzwilliam String Quartet

Music in Peebles

FITZWILLIAM STRING QUARTET

Lucy Russell & Andrew Roberts (violins),  Alan George (viola),  Heather Tuach (cello)

Programme

Haydn | The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross

NOTE: This concert is in Peebles Old Parish Church

There will be no interval in this concert.

If any string quartet has earned the right to be referred to as ‘legendary’, it is surely the Fitzwilliam, now one of the longest-established in the world. Its repertoire ranges from the 17th century to the present, and it is one of the few major quartets to play on historical instrument set-ups.

Haydn wrote his ‘Seven Last Words’ as an orchestral work, to be performed in Cádiz on Good Friday 1787. In Holy Week 2023 we will hear the more intimate string quartet version that Haydn made later that year, played by one of its leading exponents. The work consists of an introduction and a brief finale, between which come seven slow meditative ‘sonatas’, each of which will be preceded by a spoken preface.

For believers and non-believers alike, this is sure to be a profoundly moving experience, enhanced by the inspiring surroundings of Peebles Old Parish Church.

“The Fitzwilliam String Quartet, in my opinion, is, and has been for many years, Britain’s premier string quartet ensemble…….a flagship British ensemble that should be the pride of the nation.” (Fanfare)