For the concert this year, the string ensemble also created a small number of string groups, one of which was the string quartet. Our string quartet were the first performers in the winter concert. After initially feeling nervous, we were all a bit relieved at the end, as it went pretty well. To be honest it should have, as we had been practicing these two pieces (especially one of them, the Bach Saraband) for well over a year. Just the same, we all enjoyed playing. After the concert when we were talking to each other, I sensed that we couldn’t wait to start again and learn another piece to play for the next concert.
After recently listening on the radio to interviews of string quartet members, in the Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition, I’m beginning to appreciate the passion that our members have for string quartet music. It feels (in our string quartet) like we’re starting on a journey, of not only getting better and better at playing, but also enjoying it more and more. In fact, tomorrow we plan to begin our first practice for the concert in November. We usually practice about once or twice a month, depending on everyone’s availability.
Playing in a string quartet on the one hand, leaves you feeling very exposed as there is only one person playing each instrument part. On the other hand, it allows you a lot of flexibility to customise the performance, the way the four of you want each phrase of the piece to sound.
