Lir Quartet

Siobhan Doyle, Siun Milne [violins]
Ed Creedon [viola]
Chris Ellis [cello]

J.S.BACH Third Cello Suite in C major

Played by Chris Ellis

BRITTEN: String Quartet No.3 Op.94 [1975]

Britten’s last completed instrumental work was written in 1975 during his final illness, the first four movements at his home in Aldeburgh and the fifth at Hotel Danieli, Venice. Britten worked on it with the Amadeus Quartet who premiered it at The Maltings, Snape, two weeks after the composer’s death. Musicologist Brian Hogwood writes: ‘The third quartet, then, is where Britten officially takes his leave… this is the moment where he gives up his soul, in music of affecting beauty. The last movement ensures he leaves with his head held high, innovating and captivating to the very end.’

MENDELSSOHN: String Quartet in D major Op.44 No.1 [1838]

The 28-year-old Felix Mendelssohn composed his three Opus 44 quartets during a period of great success and happiness in his life and this brilliant D major quartet is ‘decidedly filled with light and joy’ [Misha Amory].

All works performed by The Lir String Quartet