«all this this here» and «what is the word»

In this concert the internationally-cast Blue Shroud Band encounters the ADAM Quartet from Amsterdam. The programme focuses on two works by Barry Guy: «all this this here», inspired by Samuel Beckett’s final poem «what is the word» and other texts, and the string quartet «what is the word», originally composed for the Kronos Quartet.

What remains when words reach their limits? Guy sees «what is the word» as an exploration of the scope and limits of language. At the same time the project is a tribute to the versatility of the Blue Shroud Band and the bond that has grown between its members over the years. Through their collaborative music-making, the ensemble seeks a form of expression that transcends words.

The inclusion of the ADAM Quartet expands this musical space. Pelham Humfrey’s «O Lord my God» and Joseph Haydn’s «The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross» enter into a dialogue with Guy’s music, continuing the exploration of language, expression and spirituality across several centuries.

With

The Blue Shroud Band: Barry Guy (double bass/leader); Savina Yannatou (vocals); Jordina Millà (piano); Maya Homburger (violin); Fanny Paccoud (viola); Ben Dwyer (guitar); Torben Snekkestad (soprano saxophone/tenor saxophone/reed trumpet); Michael Niesemann (alto saxophone/oboe); Per Texas Johansson (tenor saxophone/clarinet); Julius Gabriel (baritone saxophone/soprano saxophone); Percy Pursglove (trumpet); Marc Unternährer (tuba); Lucas Niggli, Ramón López (percussion)

ADAM String Quartet: Margot Kołodziej, Julia Kleinsmann (violin); Minna Svedberg (viola); Renée Timmer (cello)

Program

Barry Guy (*1947): «all this this here» (2021)
Barry Guy (*1947): «what is the word» (2019)
Joseph Haydn (1732–1809): «Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuz» (1787)

Duration

140 minutes, with break

Prices

CHF 35.-/25.-/15.- (free choice at the box office or in advance)
Free admission applies to persons with residence permit N, F or S. / CHF 5.- students of the Hochschule für Musik FHNW and the Musicology Seminar of the University of Basel / CHF 10.- members Colourkey, KulturLegi and children under 12 years.

Links

→ theblueshroud.com
→ adamquartet.com