Dmitri Shostakovich and George Enescu each made their mark as young people by writing a string octet at the age of 18. The complex texture of a double string quartet gives life to the youthful energy evident in both of these early masterpieces. Each of these works points to its composers’ future endeavors: Shostakovich with angst and fearless intensity and Enescu with eclectic joy. The sensual Légende, by Enescu and played by Tchaikovsky competition prizewinning trumpeter, Ansel Norris, serves as a palate cleanser alongside these wild acts of youthful exuberance.
Dmitri Shostakovich: Two Pieces for String Octet
Suliman Tekalli, Win Lee, Miran Kim, and Ravenna Lipchik, violin
Samantha Rodriguez and Olivia Chew, viola
Joseph Johnson and Austin Fisher, cello
George Enescu: Légende for Trumpet and Piano
Ansel Norris, trumpet
Timothy Lovelace, piano
Enescu: String Octet in C major
Suliman Tekalli, Win Lee, Miran Kim, and Ravenna Lipchik, violin
Samantha Rodriguez and Olivia Chew, viola
Joseph Johnson and Austin Fisher, cello