BiSS Quartet

The Russian composer Schnittke plays a game with music history in his String Quartet no. 3. As if using the past to try to fan the flames of his own inspiration, he goes on a shameless borrowing spree, taking fragments from Lassus, Beethoven and Shostakovich.

Not out of laziness, but as a labour of pure love, in an attempt to bring together bits of history, then explore them in greater and greater depth, weaving the strands into a single long tapestry. The composition first presents the three ‘inspirations’, followed by Schnittke’s quartet itself.

Pieter Bergé and the BiSS Quartet will give a short lecture-recital as a prelude to the concert. Once you’re aware of Schnittke’s tricks and techniques, listening to his music is child’s play.

CONCERT INCLUDING LECTURE - RECITAL (in Dutch)