Black and white photo of the string quartet, the Calidor.

When words fail, music speaks. The award-winning Calidore String Quartet pairs two quartets recently recorded for their newest album, Babel.

These two works by Robert Schumann and Dmitri Shostakovich stem from bleak periods when each composer suffered, and overcame, depression. Their music transmits what occurs when music substitutes for language. In the case of Shostakovich, words aren’t enough to fill the void of forbidden speech. Schumann uses music to sing the name of his wife, Clara.

Filmed in Brooklyn, New York by film director Zac Nicholson. Available for viewing on February 26th, 2021 through March 18, 2021.

Artists: Calidore String Quartet

Jeffrey Myers (violin), Ryan Meehan (violin), Jeremy Berry (viola), Estelle Choi (cello)

Program: 

  1. SCHUMANN (1810–1856) String Quartet no. 3 in A Major, op. 41 (1842)
  2. SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) String Quartet no. 9 in E-flat Major, op. 117 (1964)

Tickets: Household on-demand streaming ticket is $20. Get FREE access by sharing the concert with friends! Learn more at: www.emeraldcitymusic.org/babel