Attacca Quartet

Continuum: Beethoven Reimagined with Precision, Passion, Possibility

Attacca Quartet opens the season with a bold dialogue between Beethoven and the composers he continues to inspire. Known for their clarity, rhythmic vitality, and fearless programming, Attacca pairs Beethoven’s monumental Op. 131—a work of astonishing emotional range—with music by Caroline Shaw, Paul Wiancko, and even Radiohead, revealing the throughlines that connect centuries of musical thought. Beethoven’s late quartet, with its seamless structure and profound introspection, stands as one of the greatest achievements in chamber music. Heard alongside today’s most imaginative voices, it feels not historical, but urgent and alive. This opening concert sets the tone for a season that honors Beethoven as both an origin point and living influence.

Program
Caroline Shaw – Entr’acte
Paul Wiancko – Benkei’s Standing Death: Part I – The Thousandth Encounter
Radiohead (arr. Nathan Schram) – 2+2=5
Caroline Shaw – Three Essays: Second Essay (Echo)
Maurice Ravel – String Quartet: I. Allegro moderato — très doux
Caroline Shaw – The Evergreen: IV. Root
Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131