Back where it all started
THE Kettering Piano Quartet will return to where it all began this weekend, playing at the same venue they made their debut at — and took their name from — back in 2014.
Violinist Emma McGrath, violist William Newbery, cellist Brett Rutherford and pianist Jennifer Marten-Smith will play at the Kettering Hall, performing Antonin Dvorak’s Piano Quartet in E Flat Major Opus 87 and Beethoven’s Piano Quartet in E Flat Major Opus 16.
Newbery said Dvorak was initially a concert violist and closely studied the music of Beethoven when he switched to composing.
“Although he used Beethoven’s and others’ ideas, Dvorak’s music was distinctly his own,” he said.
“The quartet is in four movements and Classical in structure. Each movement has a different character with a broad sweep of ideas and emotions.”
Newbery said Beethoven first composed the quartet as a wind quintet with piano, and later arranged it himself for strings and piano.
“I think it will be particularly interesting for the people who attended the last concert at Kettering Hall because it included the wind quintet,” he said.
“Even though it is the same music, it will give them the chance to hear the alternative version.
“The quartet is one instrument less, but that is made up for by the fact that with the strings there is the ability to play more than one note at a time.
“The strings probably also have a more homogenous sound.”
Newbery said the first movement started slowly, followed by a cheery and sparkly allegro.
“The second movement features long individual solos from each instrument,” he said. “It finishes with a snappy rondo.”
The Kettering Piano Quartet will perform at the Kettering Hall from 3pm on Sunday.
Tickets are $15 at the door (cash only).