Art Base

Born in 2013, the ASSAI cello quartet comes as an initiative from four symphoniaASSAI members to expand their activity within the orchestra beyond the symphonic frame. Clara Sanchez, Helena Fuertes, Koen Berger and Johanna Peiler have all studied in Belgian Conservatories (Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel and Lemmensinstituut Leuven); however, they unite the characters and qualities of three different nationalities: Spanish, Belgian and German.
Passionate about music in general and cello in particular, they want to share their enthusiasm and energy not only through orchestral playing, but also through this very particular chamber music project. The cello having a very broad range from bass to soprano register is particularly suitable to form a quartet with four identical instruments. With a wide repertoire of original pieces and interesting transcriptions, works for cello quartet include music that goes from J.S. Bach to A. Piazzola,
passing by W. Fitzenhagen or J. Jongen.

J.S. BACH | Chaconne in d minor from the Partita no. 2 for solo violin, BWV 1004
W. FITZENHAGEN | Konzertwalzer op.31
J. JONGEN | Deux pièces op. 89 | Légende - Danses
I. ALBÉNIZ | Tango
H. SCHRÖDER | Three Tangos for cello quartet
A. PIAZZOLLA | Oblivion
A. PIAZZOLLA | Invierno Porteño

A great deal of the European repertoire finds its roots in dance music. In the form of ancient folk songs or court dances, melodies and rhythms filed social life and gathered people together. During the Baroque era concerts started taking place, first in royal chambers, then in front of big audiences. Although music was no longer meant to accompany movements, composers kept often the original names and features of those dances until today.
Starting with one of J.S.Bach’s masterpieces, the Chaconne in d minor, this programme brings a collection of dance-inspired works from the quartet member’s countries of origin (Germany, Belgium and Spain) written by W. Fitzenhagen, J. Jongen and I. Albéniz respectively. After a set of Three Tangos originally composed in 2009 for cello quartet by Harry Schröder, this musical journey finishes overseas with the master of this very same dance: Astor Piazzolla.

Samples and videos