An era came to an end recently when the Abramyan String Quartet played its final concert late last month. Having concertized for 10 years, it seemed the group would go on indefinitely. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and after a decade, it was the Abramyan's turn to say goodbye.
First violinist Gerald Elias announced the decision to disband the quartet during a concert last January, so we had a few months to become accustomed to a future without the Abramyan. Nevertheless, it was a moment full of poignancy when Elias and his colleagues, Lynnette Stewart, Scott Lewis and John Eckstein, ended their final concert in April with Smetana's emotional E minor quartet "From My Life."
The choice of this particular work was coincidental, but I don't think the four musicians could have picked a more appropriate one for the occasion. The pensive, introspective character of Smetana's quartet became a musical metaphor for the atmosphere in Libby Gardner Concert Hall that evening.
Even though the announcement of the ensemble's breakup came as a surprise, I think it was an inevitable decision. Ten years without a personnel change is actually quite a long time for a string quartet.
There are exceptions, of course. The Guarneri and Amadeus quartets have been around some 40 years with the same musicians. But as a rule, string quartets have a notorious turnover rate. The Juilliard Quartet, which has been in existence for more than half a century, is constantly replacing its members. The roster of musicians who have played in the Juilliard since its founding is longer than its collective discography.
Unlike the Guarneri or Amadeus or Juilliard quartets, though, the Abramyan has never been a full-time ensemble. The four members of the group also play in the Utah Symphony, and their rehearsals and concerts as a quartet have always had to be scheduled around the symphony's.
What is remarkable about the Abramyan is that it has always played with the same intensity and dedication as any full-time quartet. Maybe even more so. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that the Abramyan has a fresher and more creative approach to the quartet repertoire than many full-time groups. Its performances have consistently been vibrant and dynamic, never routine or mechanical.
There is, however, a bright side to all this. Elias made it clear that even though the Abramyan will no longer perform on a regular basis as it has in the past, the group isn't just going to pack up and disappear. The only difference is that from now on, the Abramyan will be looking for someone to present it, to take over the time-consuming public relations and marketing responsibilities, which up to now the four members have been doing on their own.
That would free them to concentrate solely on rehearsing and preparing for their concerts. With any luck, that will happen.
At least I hope it will. We certainly need a resident professional quartet of the Abramyan's caliber here in Salt Lake City.
E-MAIL: ereichel@desnews.com