Half of Kronos Quartet calls time
NewsViolinist John Sherba and violist Hank Dutt, two of the founder-members of the ultra-modernist Kronos quartet have decided to retire after 46 years.
They are to be replaced by Gabriela Díaz, violin and Ayane Kozasa, viola.
Only the first violin David Harrington remains from the original formation.
Dutt joined in 1977; he and Harrington recruited Sherba in 1978.
pictured: the way they were, with cellist Jeanrenaud
“the ultra-modernist Kronos quartet”
Hardly. More like ultra post modernist”.
When a great string quartet that basically does the standard repertoire needs to replace members, chances are good that excellent musicians can be found who know at least a decent chunk of the music, and just have to ease into the group’s interpretation(s).
Recruiting into the Kronos would seem a whole ‘nother animal although there are other quartets that at least touch on the same type of repertoire, even if not the exact same pieces.
While mearly a music lover and no expert I have found in the past that when one member leaves a small ensemble the ‘chemistry ‘ between the players is disrupted. A new member does not necessarily gel in spite of knowing the repertoire.
I SO enjoyed hearing the Kronos in Melbourne some years ago.