Jerusalem Quartet plays Shostakovich String Quartet No. 15 in E-flat Minor, Op. 144

Dmitri Shostakovich - Quartet No. 15 in E flat Minor for Strings, Op. 144
1. Elegy: Adagio
2. Serenade: Adagio
3. Intermezzo: Adagio
4. Nocturne: Adagio
5. Funeral march: Adagio molto
6. Epilogue: Adagio
Jerusalem Quartet
Alexander Pavlovsky, violin
Sergei Bresler, violin
Ori Kam, viola
Kyril Zlotnikov, cello
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center 2013

[@appogiatura]

Shostakovich wrote these instructions: “Play the first movement so that flies drop dead in mid-air and the audience leaves the hall out of sheer boredom.” It is a serene beauty, meant to be timeless. Quote from Elizabeth Wilson: Shostakovich, A Life Remembered, 1994, p. 470.

[@appogiatura]

I think the low lights were a wonderful idea. Very much in keeping with the mood of the work. Whether one likes this idea or not, don’t let it detract from the considerable accomplishment by this group to perform the entire set in just a few days. Bravo! Well done.

[@johncowdery9696]

I have just finished listening to the whole series by the Jerusalem Quartet (for the second time) and I'm indebted to whoever was responsible for posting the series. These really are the best renditions I've ever come across. Thank you.

[@PhilMcKelliget]

I’ve listened to the entire set through three times this week and I think it’s truly inspirational. Sincere thanks and congratulations to all involved.

[@lazarkaminsky]

Beautifully played.

[@fricsay1914]

この曲は、暗闇から静かに聴こえてくるイメージも大事だと思います。 (別のカルテットが、何年か前に東京で15曲を一日で演奏するコンサートをやりましたが、その時も15番は譜面台のライトだけで舞台真っ暗でした。) 手元も見にくい暗さの中で、これだけの素晴らしい演奏、感動しました。

[@DmitriShostakovichDSCH]

this is great 👍 thanks guys

[@TheKFFowler]

I appreciate that the JQ's choice to play in the dark is a serious one. The aim seems to be to increase attention to the music. But as a break from the norm, it may draw undue attention to itself, causing puzzlement or at least private questioning. Yes, the music is the main reason for attending a concert or tuning in a video. But this does not mean the visual has no place. I view the players' dexterity and emotional commitment as a lesser but hardly negligible part of a concert. I like to observe their fingering, and I am often bowled over by their skill in coordinating their movements. I accept this darkness as a salute to a great composer, but I am grateful that this is the only piece for which they chose to turn out the lights.

[@georgetate6055]

I love the idea of "lights out." No distraction whatsoever. Shut your eyes. Lean back. Let your nervous system absorb the sound. It's all about the sound.

[@elgatosucio]

They ruined the whole cycle with the lights off.

[@jestemqiqi7647]

Why? I find it refreshingly innovative and very congruent with this quartet's somber atmosphere. Aditionally, it makes it easier to focus solely on the music rather than looking at the musicians.

[@774471jr]

not really, I just went to a concert with the same lighting + some candlelight, was a pretty amazing experience.

[@georgetate6055]

I am not afraid of or in the dark. Lights out add to the experience. Bravo for them to not be intimidated by what? "The way we've always done it?"