Beo Quartet Performs at 222 Compositions from 17th 18th 20th 21st C

The Beo Quartet performed at THE 222 Friday evening with a program that was au courant with compositions from Missy Mazzoli (b. Amer. 1980) and Marc Mellits (b. Cuba 1966) and classical. The Quartet was formed in 2015 with brothers; Jason and Andrew Giordano on 1st and 2nd violin respectively, Sean Neukorn playing viola and Ryan Ash on cello.  The broad swarth of programming culminated with music from Bach and Beethoven.  Bridging the gap between 17th and 21st C compositions was Shostakovich's  (b. Russia 1906-1975) "String Quartet #8, Op. 110.  This carefully curated program started with contemporary works; "Enthusiasm Strategies" 2019 by Mazzoli and String Quartet #5, Waniyetu" (2015) by Mellitis.  Mazzoli's work was atonal, discordant and high pitched.  The cello offered a beck and call response between the violins and viola that was energetic with an apocalyptic aesthetic.  Mellits' piece offered a surprisingly harmonic assemblage with the four string instruments' melodies breaking apart and reassembling.  Of the eight differing movements, I was drawn to "funk" for its modern jazzy sound and "smooth"for its velvety, romantic feel.  This was a very exciting, revelatory piece.  I intend to learn more about Mellits and his body of work.  Shostakovich's "String Quartet #8, Op. 110, followed the two contemporary works.   Shostakovich wrote many of his works broadly tonal with elements of atonality chromaticism.  Shostakovich was heavily influenced by Bach and by Beethoven for his string quartet compositions.  Beo performed a Bach (b. Germany 1685-1750) Contrapuncti selected from "Art of Fugue" but it was so fleeting as to be forgettable and regrettable for a missed opportunity to hear music of the classical period and the composer who most influenced both Haydn and Mozart.  It did permit Andre a plug for their new CD featuring Bach's fugue compositions.  The wide array of composers, countries and styles exposed a connection spanning epochs from the classical/romantic composures to Shostakovich's shakeup in style in the 20th C and broaching infinity and beyond with musical pioneers in the 21st C concluded with Beethoven's Quartet in F major, Op. 18 #1.  Beethoven (b. Germany 1770-1827) will continue to remain legendary amongst musicians, composers and music lovers alike.  It never fails to amaze when pondering his genius, how revolutionary and groundbreaking his compositions were.  His works transitioned the classical period into the romantic.  Beethoven is a flagstone of innovation and influence for future generations and much beloved for his artistic contributions.