Carpe Diem String Quartet

Carpe Diem is committed to developing program ideas that go beyond the traditional concert format. We believe that new audiences can be introduced to chamber music by finding themes that resonate with people in ways outside of music, whether that is historical, cultural, or by using other art forms. We also believe that classical music has allowed too many barriers to exist between performers and audience, and we are dedicated to removing them. Among other ways of getting through those barriers, we speak at all of our concerts, sometimes about the programs themselves, sometimes simply to introduce ourselves to the audience and let them gain some insight into our personalities. All the programs we present can be tailored to suit a particular audience or venue.

Gypsy Fever

Music has been influenced by the fiery soul of Gypsy (properly called Romani) Music for generations. Our evening of concert music from the Gypsy tradition juxtaposes music by Brahms, his “Hungarian Dances”, with one of the most romantic works ever written, the beautiful 3rd quartet of Ernst von Dohnanyi. This program is a wonderful mix of old favorites and unfamiliar treasures, and will conclude the concert with our own arrangement of the famous “Czardas” dance.

“Shall We Dance?”
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and set your toes a tapping. Our program examines the interplay between dance and music. We start with the Renaissance, and a “Sword Dance”, and then we look at minuettes, scherzos, waltzes (yes, a little Blue Danube), two steps, and marches. We even look into the hazy smoke of a café in Buenos Aries for a Tango or two. What could be more enjoyable than an evening that takes you from a Farandole to a Fox Trot?

Twelve Seasons from Past to Present
This program takes the “Four Seasons” from past to present. We begin the program with the ever-popular Vivaldi, and then continue with the sensual “Four Seasons in Buenos Aries” by Astor Piazzolla. We will also mix in the beautiful “Four Seasons for String Quartet” written by Jonathan Leshnoff. Astor Piazzolla, one of the best-known composers of Tangos, is recognizable from his many film scores and recordings, and Jonathan Leshnoff is one of the most exciting young composers of his generation. The Baltimore Sun wrote recently about Leshnoff, “His Violin Concerto... is remarkably assured, cohesively constructed and radiantly lyrical.” Mr. Leshnoff wrote his “Four Seasons” for the Carpe Diem String Quartet in 2005. This work pays homage to Samuel Barber’s Adagio, and has been enthusiastically received by audiences nationwide.

“Who Was Sergei Taneyev?”
Sergei Taneyev, who studied with Tchaikovsky, was the teacher of Rachmaninoff at the Moscow conservatory, but is one of the best and most overlooked composers in history. His music is romantic, beautiful, and inspired by the classical works of Mozart and Beethoven. Carpe Diem is reviving the works of this great Russian master, and is making a premiere recording of the quartets, the only complete set of his works that will be available. During our program featuring quartets by Tchaikovsky, Taneyev, and Rachminoff, we will trace the musical lineage of these great Russian masters.

The Spirit of America
This program focuses on American music, and on how American folk music in particular, has influenced composers. This program can feature only American composers, or can be expanded to include composers like Dvořák and Debussy. Jazz and its influence will be examined, featuring composers like George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Leonard Bernstein, and Frank Bennett. This concert has a large degree of flexibility, and we will work with presenters to tailor the evening for their audience.

Possible works: Barber, String Quartet • Dvořák, “American” • Gershwin, “Lullaby” • Bennett, “The String Machine” • Ellington, Arrangements for String Quartet • Debussy, String Quartet