Named for the Czech composer, the Pavel Haas Quartet returns to Coleman to take us to Prague, where in 1878 Smetana’s Quartet No. 1 was given a private premiere with Antonin Dvoˇrák as violist. The Quartet’s recent recording of this work is one of three nominated in the chamber category for the 2016 BBC Music Magazine Awards.

The Quartet’s previous recording (Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” and the String Quintet), was named Best Chamber Music Record at the 2014 Gramophone Awards. Gramophone commented: “They represent the best qualities of the Czech tradition—warmth, sonorousness, individuality, intensity; but what’s striking here is their fearless risk-taking, their fervency and the absolute confidence with which they propel you through these two masterpieces.”

Program

Martinů — Quartet No. 3, H. 183 Smetana — Quartet No. 1 in E minor, Op. 116, “From My Life”