String Quartets with Consone Quartet
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About String Quartets with Consone Quartet
An immersive weekend of quartet playing with coaching from an acclaimed string quartet, for accomplished groups who play together regularly.
What is the course about?
The Consone Quartet will work in-depth with pre-formed string quartets. Since launching in 2015, the Consones have won prizes, competitions and concert invitations globally and were notably the first period instrument string quartet to be selected as BBC New Generation Artists. They perform a wide range of music and are particularly renowned for 18th-century repertoire.
Participating quartets may play on either modern or historical instruments.
The course also includes a ticket to their concert.
Please note that any quartets wishing to arrange a pre-course playing room on the first day must contact us prior to the course to avoid disappointment.
What will you learn?
Most aspects of quartet playing will be discussed, including leading, achieving good ensemble, balance and intonation, exploring tonal colours, phrasing and musical style.
By the end of this course you will have achieved a good working knowledge of your chosen work(s), enabling you to fulfil your potential, and will have discussed ideas of how to rehearse together more productively. You will receive many useful tips from the tutors’ years of experience!
How will the course be taught?
You will receive a coaching session from each of the four members of the Consone Quartet. You will find the course most beneficial if you are well prepared both individually and as a group. By all means choose repertoire which will challenge you, but please also try to be realistic when selecting the works to be studied.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
While they don't provide the scores, the quartet have provided a list of lesser-performed repertoire that they advocate and would be very happy to work on with attendees including:
Felix Mendelssohn - String Quartet in E-flat major from 1823
Fanny Mendelssohn - String Quartet in E-flat major.
Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga (known as the Spanish Mozart) - 3 string quartets
Franz Schubert - D. 46 in C major, D. 87 in E-flat major and D. 94 in D major.
Beethoven - String Quartet in F major, H. 34 (Beethoven's arrangement of Piano Sonata in E major, Op. 14, No. 1). Piano Sonata No. 9
Boccherini Quartets - Lots of very short ones available (10 mins), to get a taste of the style. For example the quartets from op. 26 are lovely.
George Onslow - Some lovely options and some beautiful slow movements.
Ferdinand Reis and Luigi Cherubini
Benslow Music members may be able to borrow music from our library.
What we need from you
Parts for the quartet and a full score for the coach.
