Tokyo String Quartet

After more than 40 years of sharing chamber music with audiences around the world the Tokyo String Quartet returns to the Hobart Town Hall for one final performance in this its farewell tour. Both friends and firm favourites of Hobart audiences, the Tokyo needs no introduction, having performed many times for Musica Viva. For its swansong the quartet has chosen works which built their reputation as masters of the genre, and which have also become their personal favourites.

Despite being his own favourite, Beethoven’s 14th quartet was not performed in his lifetime. Rehearsed at the offices of his Vienna publisher in August 1826, it was more than two years before it received its premiere in a performance for Schubert, some five days before that composer’s death. On hearing it, Schubert famously asked “After this, what is left for us to write?”

Now the Tokyo String Quartet is asking “After this, what is left for us to perform?”

This unmissable concert is the very last opportunity to hear one of the greatest ensembles of our time performing live in a concert that promises to be as electrifying as it will be emotional.

PROGRAM:

Peter SCULTHORPE (1929-)

String Quartet no. 16

Commissioned for Musica Viva Australia by Julian Burnside AO QC

Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945)

String Quartet no. 6, Sz114

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)

String Quartet no. 14 in C sharp minor, op. 131