The Tokyo String Quartet, a chamber ensemble, was formed 42 years ago. (Photo Credit: Pete Checchia)

On Saturday, March 17, my Teen Reviewers and Critics group went to see the Tokyo String Quartet at the 92nd street Y. It was not what I was expecting. The rhythm of the quartet felt like a butterfly soaring though heaven. Martin Beaver, Kikuei Ikeda, Kazuhide Isomura and Clive Greensmith are the musicians that make up the group. The choice of composers they made was really good, taking pieces from Franz Joseph Haydn, Bela Bartok and Claude Debussy since a lot of this music was created in Europe.

The first piece was by Franz Joseph Haydn, it had a light fluffy sound by the violins mixed in with a base that was holding the sound together like glue. The notes the cello made were shaped like a ribbon around the sound when it started playing. The cello kept the violins and viola in sync while keeping the rhythm at a steady pace.

The next piece by Bela Bartok had a dark, rushing sound that sounded like Beethoven’s 5th symphony, but was rising up by the scales. The violins went bar by bar as the sound of the cello sliced the sound up dissecting the sound into little wisps. The viola kept the sound in balance and made little sounds run hard. The last piece by Claude Debussy was very unique, considering the way that hid harmonies were written. The sound was smooth, working on a scale of high and low bars, with the cello working its way surprising us with a high note now and then. The viola was surprising high as well making the notes big and long, seeing as the song was reaching its climax.  Overall, this was a very nice experience. This is classic music at its best and no one should miss it.

The Tokyo String Quartet is in full swing at the 92nd street Y right now, so what are you waiting for?