Strings Chamber Music Concert
Jesús Morales, Director
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Ware Family Recital Hall
Swope Music Building 7:30 PM
PROGRAM
String Quartet in G Major Op. 76 No. 1.................................................................................................................Haydn, Franz (1732-1809)
I. Allegro con spirito
II. Adagio sostenuto
III. Menuetto.Presto
IV. Allegro ma non t roppo
Anna Tsemekhman , violin I
Paola Loaiza, violin II
Kenzie DiUlio, viola
Beatrix Thompson, cello
String Quartet No. 2 in D Major Borodin, Aleksandr (1833-1887)
I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo. Allegro
III. Notturno. Andante
IV. Finale. Andante – Vivace
Grace Pothen , violin I
Lea Rubenstein, violin II
Julian Mabee, viola
Elizabeth Weaver, cello
Please silence all cell phones and electronic devices.
PROGRAM NOTES
String Quartet in G Major Op. 76 No . 1
Joseph Haydn’s Op. 76 quartets, composed in 1796 –97, showcase the confidence and freedom he gained after returning from his travels to London, the musical capital of the time. Having just experienced English audiences’ enthusiasm for his bold ideas, Haydn poured his artistic energy into the Op. 76 set - his final fully completed group of quartets and among the most daring of his career. At this time, he was internationally celebrated, yet worked in Europe, which was in social and political unrest after the French Revolution. Scholars such as James Webster articulate that these quartets demonstrate Haydn’s tendency toward structural clarity, as well as heightened expressivity.
The Allegro con spirito of Op. 76, No. 1 plays with the listeners’ expectations through dramatic dynamic shifts and changes in harmonic direction that demonstrate surprise as a structural device. The Adagio possesses a long -lined melody over harmonic changes that create bold color and influences the listener’s emotions. The Menuetto goes beyond the traditional dance with its intense rhythm and distinct motives. The finale is quick and passes around a motif between players in a conversational style in contrapuntal play. Overall, Haydn’s Op. 76 No.1 helped shape quartet tradition today with his humor and sophistication.
String Quartet No. 2 in D Major
Borodin’s Second String Quartet is often regarded as one of the most lyrical and affectionate works in Russian chamber repertoire. Composed in 1881 during a period of renewed closeness in Borodin’s marriage to his wife, Ekaterina, the quartet differs from the bold, experimental, and nationalistic tendencies of Russian music. Instead, Borodin adopts a melodic and operatic style, producing a work central to his chamber music legacy.
The quartet opens with the cello’s expressive, singing melody, soon answered by the violin. Some have interpreted this exchange as a musical dialogue between Borodin and Ekaterina. This conversational quality shapes the entire work. The third movement, Notturno, develops its emotional theme with a soaring, lyrical melody that has become one of the most memorable moments in 19th -century Russian chamber music, later gaining global popularity through numerous arrangements.
The quartet thrives today due to its union of personality and refined compositional skills, offering a portrait of affection articulated with clarity and elegance. Its central challenge for performers is balancing the lyricism of its melodies while maintaining the characteristics of each movement. Performing the work feels like being entrusted with something deeply sincere, like a portrait of love displayed in music.
UPCOMING WELLS SCHOOL OF MUSIC EVENTS
For full event details visitwcupa.edu/music or call (610) 436-2739
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 , 4:00 PM
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Ware Family Recital Hall
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Thursday, December 4, 2025 , 11:00 AM
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Emily Bullock & Ralph Sorrentino, directors
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Sunday, December 7, 2025 , 3:00 PM
Wind Ensemble Concert
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Monday, December 8, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Faculty Recital:
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Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
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Wednesday, December 3, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Trilovati Flute Ensemble Concert
Kimberly Reighley, director
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Performing Arts Center
Saturday, December 6, 2025 , 3:00 PM
104th Annual Holiday Program*
Ryan Kelly, director
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall
Philips Memorial Building
Sunday, December 7, 2025 , 7:30 PM
Collegium Musicum Concert
Mark Rimple, director
Ware Family Recital Hall
Swope Music Building
Monday, February 2, 2026 , 7:30 PM
Faculty Recital:
Jean-Christophe Dobrzelewski, trumpet
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Performing Arts Center
*Ticketsarerequired for this event.
†For weekday daytime events, please RSVP tomusicinfo@wcupa.eduto obtain a parking pass via email
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Steinway & Sons Piano Technical, Tuning and Concert Preparations by Gerald P. Cousins, RPT
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The Wells School of Music | West Chester University of Pennsylvania
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