The Beauty Of Introductions To New Styles. – An Insight into Astra Quartet
Young Critics regular Annaya took a step out of her comfort zone to visit Lichfield Chamber Music Weekend and give us an insight into what’s special about live chamber music.
Whilst the beauty of literature is what inspires me the most, this October’s Lichfield Chamber Music Weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to hear the Astra Quartet at The Hub at St Mary’s. Now I’m not a very classical music involved type of girl, but let me help you understand why this weekend completely transformed my idea of romantic classical music.
My day began frantically, as every Sunday is, and amidst heavy traffic my excitement for the event subsequently faded. Being a person who matches classical music with the elderly and boring connotations, my hope was limited, but I knew exploring new ideas is essential to your growth as a person. I was proved right when I sat down in my seat to be captivated by such an expressive performance. It was not until Sunday that I truly realised music is more than a form of an art, it can be a way of life too. My heart was full acknowledging my fortune to be apart of the Young Critic programme and experience events such as these, because I had no criticism whatsoever.
The compelling instrumental sounds warmed the environment wholeheartedly. Every person was evidently in awe of the level of sophistication and elegance the Astra Quartet carried, and especially in the lens of a young woman in modern society, it showed me how women don’t have to be involved in careers set out for us in mainstream culture, we have options such as music laid out for us if we are open to inviting them into our lives. One of the most noticeable aspects of a string quartet is the meaningful interactions between its instruments, the contrasting tones of the violins and violas create a rich musical texture resulting in a unified performance. For me, the attentive listening of everyone present symbolised the way the Quartet engaged the audience, through dramatisation of certain keys, we were kept on our toes. If you want to open up your mindset to new hobbies, engaging with the Lichfield Festival’s events are the way to go, I am a firm believer that their intimate settings allow the audience to appreciate details that might be less noticeable in a larger concert hall.
In essence, the performance demonstrated how live instrumental music can create a united atmosphere without reliance on vocals. The musicianship of performances related at the Lichfield festival give the audience opportunities to appreciate the skill and create an element of collective conscience, where even those who may have once doubted classical music, are in tune with it.
By Annaya H
If you’re aged 11-18 and would like to be a festival reviewer, applications will open soon for Young Critics – find out more on our website https://lichfieldfestival.org/aspire/young-critics/