The Amsterdam Quartet is a new string quartet featuring Jorinde Gray, Jurriaan Klapwijk, Patrick Karten and Sara Kalinowska and they are making their Grachtenfestival debut today! The quartet has put together a beautiful program, but with a sinister edge: they perform compositions of composers who were mentally struggling.
In 1926, Peter Warlock aka Philip Arnold Heseltine, composed the Capriol Suite; one of his most popular works. He was an extraordinary figure with a turbulent life and eventually committed suicide.
The quartet continues with Gonssiennes by Erik Satie. Originally from a wealthy family, he gradually slipped into the poorer neighborhoods and ended up sitting drunk behind the piano night after night.
Finally two movements from Schuberts famous Death and the Maiden will be performed.