This program traces the evolution of the string quartet, from classical elegance to modern complexity. It opens with Haydn’s Quartet in D Major, a lively and inventive work by the “father” of the string quartet, whose wit and mastery of form define the genre. Next is Mendelssohn’s Quartet in D Major, blending lyrical beauty with energetic drive and showcasing the composer’s Romantic expressiveness. Webern’s Langsamer Satz offers lush, expressive lines from the Austrian composer, known for his atonal works but here showcasing his lyrical side. The program concludes with Shostakovich’s Quartet No. 9 in E-flat Major, a poignant, emotionally charged work that deepens the string quartet form with the composer’s signature depth and complexity.

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