Shostakovich, Bologne and Torrente

Shostakovich String Quartet #2 in A major, Op. 68 (1944) Bologne String Quartet #5 in G minor, (1770) Torrente String Quintet “As the Earth Burns” (2022) Shostakovich was a Soviet-era Russian composer and pianist, regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century and one of its most popular composers. He combined a variety of different musical techniques into his works. His music is characterized by sharp contrasts, elements of the grotesque, and ambivalent tonality. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges ,was a champion fencer, classical composer, virtuoso violinist, friend of Mozart and conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris. Born in the French colony of Guadeloupe, he was the son of George Bologne de Saint-Georges, a wealthy married planter, and Anne dite Nanon, his wife's African slave. His father took him to France when he was young, and he was educated there. Born in Cuba, Al Torrente came to this country at age eleven and grew up in Miami, Florida, playing in bands as a guitar player as well as a trumpet player. After graduating from the University of Miami, Mr. Torrente taught at the Berklee School of Music, Boston. When he moved to New York he began playing, recording and traveling with many artists, including Ben E. King, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Kendricks, Southside Johnny. Al received a Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Torrente's string quintet is the southeastern US premiere of Mr. Torrente's worries about climate change.