To music lovers, the Quatuor Alfama, named after the medieval neighbourhood in Lisbon, needs no introduction. This Brussels-based quartet was hailed by the national and international press for its CD Quartettsatz. They are performing at Bozar on Sunday, 5 October, accompanied by cellist Camille Thomas. First violinist Elsa de Lacerda glowingly tells us about the concert.
How did you put the programme together?
Elsa de Lacerda: We’ve wanted to collaborate with Camille Thomas – a Frenchwoman who has relocated to Brussels – for a long time. She will get us started with Eugène Ysaÿe’s Sonate pour violoncelle seul: very interesting, modern music. After that, we will play Schubert’s last chamber music composition together, in a somewhat unusual arrangement with two cellos. It is very weighty and all sorts of things happen! As a performer, it demands a specific approach because the music has to sound as light as a feather. In other words, it’s pretty demanding in terms of balance and equilibrium between the various instruments. Schubert’s music is very human but also very sensual – he always manages to move you. And that is one of the great characteristics of this music: the ability genuinely to communicate, even with people who don’t like classical music! [Laughs]
What is it like to be able to play on Sunday morning?
De Lacerda: First and foremost: it is wonderful to be able to play in our own city. But at such an early hour! I freely admit that as a musician, it is a real challenge to be completely focused so early in the morning. In fact, we aren’t even sure which room we’ll be playing in. If we play in the big Henry Le Boeuf Hall, it will also be a challenge to interact with the audience because it is truly an enormous hall. What usually ends up happening is that the audience joins us on stage, and we play with our backs to the hall. Then we can literally play surrounded by people, which is a great experience!
Are there any concerts that you are looking forward to?
De Lacerda: René Jacobs is a fixture in Brussels, and he often performs concertante productions of operas. This time, he is coming to Bozar on 22 September with Die Entführung aus dem Serail, an early opera by Mozart. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You know what, as a musician you miss a lot of concerts, simply because you are performing yourself! It is thus no easy task to stay informed about who is coming. Another concert in September is the recital by the Italian pianist Aldo Ciccolini. He is a living legend, at 89 years old. It is really moving to watch a performance by such an old musician who in all probability is nearing the end of his career. Older musicians have so much to share, both with their audiences and with other musicians because they have had such long careers and have so much insight and maturity.
5/10, Bozar, www.bozar.be
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