OlioMuse | The Muse That Screams: Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8

Nothing makes the string quartet sound like an epic metal band quite like Dmitri Shostakovich’s coveted Quartet No. 8. The sprawling, five-movement work is masterfully constructed with remarkable motivic unity and a rush of colorful techniques that make the work truly memorable and worth study. A subversive, and politically minded composer, Shostakovich’s voice is particularly forceful and yet nimble and clever in this work—written in a fury of three days, the piece is full of urgency and energy, fueled by Shostakovich’s own personal trials and tribulations.

Dedicated to “the victims of fascism and war”, this work still resonates with the public—an audience (currently) in revolt. Join Think Olio lecturer Whitney George and musicians of GroupMuse for an evening of lecture and performance, dissecting this stunningly relevant and politically-charged work.

There will be free beer sponsored by Sixpoint Brewery at this event, so come snag a spot on the floor to relax and enjoy the warmth and double stimulation of this live music lecture.

Teacher: Whitney George

George holds an undergraduate degree from the California Institute of the Arts, a masters degree from Brooklyn College Conservatory, and is currently continuing her studies as a PhD candidate at the CUNY Grad Center. In addition to her composing and conducting, George teaches at Brooklyn College, works at the Hitchcock Institute of American Studies and is the Managing Director for New York’s AME.