The Chordos String Quartet and the Old Church of Zapyškis invite you to a concert filled with the spirit of anticipation for Christmas, featuring contemporary works by Lithuanian composers.

In closing the 2024 music season, the ensemble offers a journey through various facets of the human experience – connection with others, inner reflection, and passion for life. The pieces representing these states will provide an excellent opportunity not only to immerse yourself in a world of intriguing sounds but also to take time to reflect on timeless values, listen to your inner self, and contemplate the passing year.

PROGRAM

Vidmantas Bartulis – String Quartet No. 1 “O, Dear One” (1994)
Arūnas Navakas – “Prayer Book” (2004)
Teisutis Makačinas – “Concert Scerzo” (1980)

The concert is organized by: Public Institution “Muzikos Ruduo”
Funded by: Lithuanian Council for Culture, Vilnius City Municipality
Concert Partner: Old Zapyškis Church
Partners: Lithuanian Composers’ Union, Lithuanian Music Information Center, Cultural Agency “Meno Genas”

The Lithuanian Government Culture and Art Award-winning string quartet “Chordos” continues its central 2024 concert series “Three of Your Sides,” dedicated to exploring various human states and presenting some of the most significant 20th-century composers and their string quartets.

The second concert in the series, FOCUS, invites us to return to ourselves. Symbolically held on November 2nd in the magnificent Treasury Hall of the Church Heritage Museum, this program offers a time for reflection, a philosophical meditation, and a search for inner connection—a much-needed respite in a world that is constantly shifting, rushing, and full of complexities.

This avant-garde 20th-century music, marked by calmness and a unique sense of silence, will appeal both to music connoisseurs and to anyone seeking to explore and discover new sonic landscapes.

PROGRAM

Luigi Nono. Fragmente-Stille, an Diotima (1980)
John Cage. String quartet In Four Parts (1950)

• • • •

After several years of creative crisis, the Italian composer Luigi Nono (1924–1990) wrote a series of works that were markedly different from what he had produced in the previous three decades. Among these was the string quartet Fragmente-Stille, an Diotima, premiered in 1980 by the renowned LaSalle Quartet. Few compositions of that time received as much commentary and praise as this one. Thirty years later, music historian David Metzer recognized it as one of the key works of the 1970s that shaped a new phase in modernist music.

Diotima, a teacher of Socrates, is linked to the concept of time. The music is inspired by verses from the famous German Romantic poet Friedrich Hölderlin, which, like unspoken words or meditations, remain as mere references in the score. Through his exploration of ancient music and memories from a distant past as sources of pain and hope, Nono raises fundamental questions: “Where am I, and who am I?”

American composer John Cage (1912–1992) composed his String Quartet In Four Parts in 1950, a work that marks one of the last pieces before the principles of indeterminacy and chance, which became central to his later work, took full hold. In this quartet, Cage employed a new technique he called “gamut,” where each player has a fixed, unchanging, and individualized “gamut,” from which melodies and harmonies emerge. The result is a piece without any sense of progression or resolution. After completing the first movement, Cage was so enamored with the method that he wrote, “This work feels like opening another door, and the possibilities within it are endless.”

The piece is dedicated to fellow composer Lou Harrison. Cage aimed to create a work that would celebrate silence without actually using silence itself. The quartet’s four movements are associated with the Indian perception of the seasons, where each season corresponds to a specific force—creation, preservation, destruction, or calmness. Hence, the programmatic titles emerged:

1. Quietly Flowing Along – Summer
2. Slowly Rocking – Autumn
3. Nearly Stationary – Winter
4. Quodlibet – Spring

As critics have noted, this piece, like many of John Cage’s works, “clears and calms the mind, opening it to divine influence.”

• • • •

Organized by: VšĮ “Muzikos ruduo”
Funded by: Lithuanian Council for Culture and Vilnius City
Partner: Church Heritage Museum
Visual identity: Kristina Pavlovaitė
Lighting design: Justas Bø

This year’s contemporary Lithuanian music festival “Music Autumn” takes an anthropological look at issues affecting the entire world or specific regions—from the impact of consumerism on the environment to the rising global population, from our relationship with virtual reality to survival strategies. How do these themes resonate in the works of composers, in the world of music, and in our understanding of daily life?

The Chordos String Quartet, laureate of the Government Award for Culture and Art, presents a unique creative project at the Liepkalnis Water Storage—a multimedia immersive work titled “One More Billion Problems?” by composer Matas Drukteinis.

The piece invites the audience to journey through the history of modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens), from millennia before our era to the near future, while observing the changing population of Earth. From the dawn of humanity, it took until the early 19th century for the world’s population to reach its first billion. By the end of 2022, the population surpassed 8 billion, and it is projected to reach 10 billion by the second half of this century.

Exploring the continuous growth of human numbers, the composer sonically captures the historical, present, and potential future processes that influence these trends, revealing environmental, societal, technological, and other factors. The work blends two emotional states: formal, statistical observation and an irrational interpretation of the era, transforming the composition into a reflection of human civilization.

At the same time, the piece highlights contemporary challenges associated with the immense human population, such as food and clean water supply, equitable economic and social development, or ecosystem stability. However, as the composer notes, the artistic exploration revealed an unexpected perspective. According to one of the most realistic United Nations forecasts, by the end of this century, the global population will begin to decline for the first time in modern history, bringing entirely new challenges to societies.

The string quartet “Chordos” presents the central concert series of the 2024 season, “Three Sides of You.” The concerts will feature some of the most significant string quartets by European and American composers. Together, the series invites contemplation of three states of being. The first concert of this series – TOUCH – is dedicated to intimacy, connection with others, the search for sensitivity, and the liberation of emotional beginnings.

PROGRAM

Alban Berg. Lyric Suite (String Quartet No. 3, 1926)
Alberto Ginastera. String Quartet No. 2, op.26 (1958)

• • • •

Alban Berg, who spent many long years in marriage, in 1925, experiences a secret and passionate 8-day love affair with Hanna Fuchs-Robettin, who is also married. Since divorce was practically impossible at the time, the composer poured out his anguish by composing this six-part Lyric Suite for string quartet. In the piece, A. Berg left traces and allusions to this forbidden love affair, including encoded initials of the lovers and quotations from recognizable pieces commenting on the composer’s state of mind. The phrase from Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony resounds, originally performed by a vocalist: “You are mine, my very own,” as well as the famous beginning of Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” with its theme of doomed love.

Argentinian Alberto Evaristo Ginastera is considered one of the most important 20th-century composers in the Americas. His 2nd string quartet was composed in 1958 at the commission of the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation, and it premiered that same year at the first American Music Festival in Washington, D.C., performed by the Juilliard String Quartet. The piece marks the composer’s third neo-expressionist phase. It features modern techniques along with a rhythmic impetus rooted in Argentine tango. A striking and emotional work, it becomes a test of mastery for performers due to its complexity.

• • • •

The string quartet’s 2024 season, marked by the theme “Man and People,” invites introspection while seeking strong connections with others and the world. At its core are all of us, seeking peace, challenges, passion, or meaning in life, constantly balancing internal and external forces, attention to ourselves and others.

• Ieva Sipaitytė – I violin
• Vaida Paukštienė – II violin
• Robertas Bliškevičius – viola
• Arnas Kmieliauskas – cello

• • • •

Visual identity: Kristina Pavlovaitė
Lighting design: Justas Bø

Supported by: Lithuanian Council for Culture and Vilnius City

The concert of the PAKLAIDA – Residency in Music Composition for Children.

Participants / Music Compositions:

• Martynas Žemaitis – “B.A.B.A.”
• Ainis Vaičiulis – “You Don’t Know me” / “I Can’t Lose”
• Paulina Stoškutė – “Santaka”
• Danila Berezko – “Dirt”

Supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture. Partner – Lithuanian Music and Theatre Academy.

The contemporary Lithuanian music festival “Music Autumn” presses on, unveiling a new facet – an international program!

Embarking on a delightful musical journey just before the holidays, the Chordos String Quartet and the contemporary trombone virtuoso Mike Svoboda (USA / Germany) grace the stage together. Acknowledge it, the pairing is exceptional – trombone and string quartet!

While the Chordos Quartet enjoys familiarity with the audience, Mike Svoboda is no newcomer to Lithuania. Here, as well as in Germany and other countries, he has performed works and even presented world premieres from a range of Lithuanian composers.

In this concert, you’ll witness a premiere too – a new composition from Marius Baranauskas commissioned by the festival and the Lithuanian Composers’ Union. The program will also feature a composition by Ramūnas Motiekaitis, known for the mindfulness inherent in Eastern cultures’ music. Alongside our country’s composers, you’ll delve into the works of truly contemporary music classics – British composer Benedict Mason and the German Karlheinz Stockhausen, one of the most influential creators of 20th-century music.

Playing the trombone for twelve years with composer K. Stockhausen in the 80s and 90s forged a profound creative connection. As M. Svoboda attests, it was a pivotal period in the development of his musical path. Today, the performer stands as one of the primary custodians of K. Stockhausen’s musical and creative legacy globally. His experience enables him to interpret the composer’s works with striking authenticity.

We invite you to immerse yourself in extraordinary sounds and embrace the upcoming holidays with unconventional yet enriching music, promising a new year of maintaining curiosity as explorers of undiscovered worlds.

______________________

PROGRAM

Ramūnas Motiekaitis. LIGHT ON LIGHT  (2004; 2023 red.)

Benedict Mason. TROMBONE AND STRING QUARTET (2012)

Karlheinz Stockhausen. TIERKREIS (1974-75; Svoboda’s arrangement, 2010)

Marius Baranauskas. World Premiere

______________________

Contemporary Lithuanian Music Festival
MUSIC AUTUMN ’23
International Program

December 13–17, 2023
Zapyškis –– Klaipėda –– Vilnius

More information: muzikosruduo.lt

The contemporary Lithuanian music festival “Music Autumn” presses on, unveiling a new facet – an international program!

Embarking on a delightful musical journey just before the holidays, the Chordos String Quartet and the contemporary trombone virtuoso Mike Svoboda (USA / Germany) grace the stage together. Acknowledge it, the pairing is exceptional – trombone and string quartet!

While the Chordos Quartet enjoys familiarity with the audience, Mike Svoboda is no newcomer to Lithuania. Here, as well as in Germany and other countries, he has performed works and even presented world premieres from a range of Lithuanian composers.

In this concert, you’ll witness a premiere too – a new composition from Marius Baranauskas commissioned by the festival and the Lithuanian Composers’ Union. The program will also feature a composition by Ramūnas Motiekaitis, known for the mindfulness inherent in Eastern cultures’ music. Alongside our country’s composers, you’ll delve into the works of truly contemporary music classics – British composer Benedict Mason and the German Karlheinz Stockhausen, one of the most influential creators of 20th-century music.

Playing the trombone for twelve years with composer K. Stockhausen in the 80s and 90s forged a profound creative connection. As M. Svoboda attests, it was a pivotal period in the development of his musical path. Today, the performer stands as one of the primary custodians of K. Stockhausen’s musical and creative legacy globally. His experience enables him to interpret the composer’s works with striking authenticity.

We invite you to immerse yourself in extraordinary sounds and embrace the upcoming holidays with unconventional yet enriching music, promising a new year of maintaining curiosity as explorers of undiscovered worlds.

______________________

PROGRAM

Ramūnas Motiekaitis. LIGHT ON LIGHT  (2004; 2023 red.)

Benedict Mason. TROMBONE AND STRING QUARTET (2012)

Karlheinz Stockhausen. TIERKREIS (1974-75; Svoboda’s arrangement, 2010)

Marius Baranauskas. World Premiere

______________________

Contemporary Lithuanian Music Festival
MUSIC AUTUMN ’23
International Program

December 13–17, 2023
Zapyškis –– Klaipėda –– Vilnius

More information: muzikosruduo.lt

The contemporary Lithuanian music festival “Music Autumn” presses on, unveiling a new facet – an international program!

Embarking on a delightful musical journey just before the holidays, the Chordos String Quartet and the contemporary trombone virtuoso Mike Svoboda (USA / Germany) grace the stage together. Acknowledge it, the pairing is exceptional – trombone and string quartet!

While the Chordos Quartet enjoys familiarity with the audience, Mike Svoboda is no newcomer to Lithuania. Here, as well as in Germany and other countries, he has performed works and even presented world premieres from a range of Lithuanian composers.

In this concert, you’ll witness a premiere too – a new composition from Marius Baranauskas commissioned by the festival and the Lithuanian Composers’ Union. The program will also feature a composition by Ramūnas Motiekaitis, known for the mindfulness inherent in Eastern cultures’ music. Alongside our country’s composers, you’ll delve into the works of truly contemporary music classics – British composer Benedict Mason and the German Karlheinz Stockhausen, one of the most influential creators of 20th-century music.

Playing the trombone for twelve years with composer K. Stockhausen in the 80s and 90s forged a profound creative connection. As M. Svoboda attests, it was a pivotal period in the development of his musical path. Today, the performer stands as one of the primary custodians of K. Stockhausen’s musical and creative legacy globally. His experience enables him to interpret the composer’s works with striking authenticity.

We invite you to immerse yourself in extraordinary sounds and embrace the upcoming holidays with unconventional yet enriching music, promising a new year of maintaining curiosity as explorers of undiscovered worlds.

______________________

PROGRAM

Ramūnas Motiekaitis. LIGHT ON LIGHT  (2004; 2023 red.)

Benedict Mason. TROMBONE AND STRING QUARTET (2012)

Karlheinz Stockhausen. TIERKREIS (1974-75; Svoboda’s arrangement, 2010)

Marius Baranauskas. World Premiere

______________________

Contemporary Lithuanian Music Festival
MUSIC AUTUMN ’23
International Program

December 13–17, 2023
Zapyškis –– Klaipėda –– Vilnius

More information: muzikosruduo.lt

Program

Musa Nkuna
String Quartet Nr. 1 (A Peaceful Shangaan Village) (1999)

Werner Kirschbaum
STRING SPLASH (2023) UA

Ulli Götte
SOL (1998)

Jens Josef
Quartettino (2017)

Martin Forciniti
U Passuliddu (2023) UA

Michael Töpel
Quartett für Violine und Streichtrio (2023) UA

In the final concert of Contemporary Lithuanian Music Festival “Music Autumn”, four compositions commissioned by the Lithuanian Composers’ Union and LRT CLASSICS are presented, specially created for the festival, revealing different interpretations of this year’s theme – performative music.

PROGRAM

Andrius Šiurys. Three fried eggs with toasted bread and a cup of coffee are the elements for Jerome’s night lunch (premiere; commissioned by the Lithuanian Composers’ Union) 

Rūta Vitkauskaitė. Preritzos (premiere; commissioned by the LRT Classics)