The London-based Eusebius Quartet was formed in 2016 and has gained a reputation for imaginative performances possessing a ‘full-blooded yet flexible tone’ (BBC Music Magazine). This reflects the quartet’s name which is derived from the poetic side of the two fictional characters invented by Robert Schumann for his musical journal writings. These characters became symbolic of Schumann’s opposing moods: the fiery and impassioned Florestan contrasted the philosophical and dreamy Eusebius.

The quartet regularly performs in the UK including appearances at Kings Place, Conway Hall and Glyndebourne, as well as at Festivals and on BBC Radio 3. Between them the members bring influences from their rich and diverse musical backgrounds, having each studied at leading international conservatoires, namely the Juilliard School, New York, the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music, London and the Paris Conservatoire.

Today they will open their concert with Schubert’s Quartettsatz. Originally intended to be the first movement of a full quartet, this restless and passionate piece evokes the bitter-sweet nature of love. It will be followed by Mozart’s K465 quartet, nicknamed ‘Dissonance’ after the clashing voices that collide in the opening movement before emerging into sunshine and tenderness. The concert is completed by Erich Korngold’s quartet No.1. The Eusebius recording of chamber music by Korngold has received widespread critical acclaim including ‘Recording of the Month’ by BBC Music Magazine. This concert certainly encompasses the fusion of fire and poetry the quartet aims to achieve.

Beatrice Philips (violin), Venetia Jollands (violin), Hannah Shaw (viola), Hannah Sloane (cello)

Photo credit © 2024 Anna Patarakina