Larufest: Pathos and Haydn's Smile

World-class string quartets Arod and Hanson, pianist Keigo Mukawa and violist Alexander Gordon perform works by Haydn, Vasks and Mozart.

Papa Haydn composed his string quartet in 1797 - five years after Mozart's death - and Mozart his fourth string quintet ten years earlier.

Both composers at this stage grappled with an inner tension related to existence and life, which foreshadowed Beethoven's musical revolution.

The ethos of Vasks' work can be summed up in the phrase: silence is not emptiness but the foundation of spiritual and human connection.

The French quartets Arod and Hanson rank among the most respected string quartets of our time.

Japanese pianist Keigo Mukawa is known for his refined interpretations that respect the stylistic features of different eras.

Alexander Gordon belongs to his generation's most versatile musicians, known both as a violist and conductor.

Concert programme:

Joseph Haydn: String Quartet op. 76, no. 5 in D major
Arod Quartet

Pēteris Vasks: The Fruit of Silence for piano quintet
Keigo Mukawa, piano, Hanson Quartet

W. A. Mozart: String Quintet no. 4 in G minor, K. 516
Hanson Quartet, Alexander Gordon, viola