The phenomenon of war and its impact on civilization are explored through the voices of those who have witnessed its destruction. Inspired by current events, the program features a composer and poets from four nations marked by war. Echoing Shostakovich’s poignant question, “Why? And for what?” in his third string quartet, this performance invites reflection and continuous questioning of the reasons behind such cruelty, uniting humanity under the universal condition of victimhood.

MUSIC PROGRAM

Musical works by Dmitri Šostakovič:
Two Pieces for String Quartet (1931)
I. Adagio (after Katerina’s Aria from the opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District,
Op. 29)
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 73
I. Allegretto. Blithe ignorance of the future cataclysm
II. Moderato con moto. Rumblings of unrest and anticipation
III. Allegro non troppo. Forces of war unleashed
IV. Adagio (attacca). In memory of the dead
V. Moderato. The eternal question: why? and for what?

Literary excerpts from:
Salvatore Quasimodo, Italy
Anna Akhmatova, Russia
Antonio Machado, Spain
Pablo Neruda, Chile