Active listening is a core tool
in music, especially in chamber music, says Nathan Schram, member of the Attacca Quartet, an American ensemble that, almost 10 years after its first presentation in Mexico, returns to the country to offer a concert and a master class at the University Cultural Center (CCU) of the highest house of studies.
In interview with The Conferencethe violist explained that In chamber music or any type, active listening is always important, both individually and in the group, although it is more difficult than you think, because each musician is concentrated on his interpretation.
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The performances of the string quartet, founded in 2003 in New York, will take place in the Nezahualcóyotl and Carlos Chávez halls today and tomorrow, respectively, where spectators will enjoy a program with works by Beethoven, Philip Glass, and Caroline Shaw.
In November 2015 we played for the first time in Mexico, we were just starting to tour and now that we are back it is like being home again
added Schram (California, 1987).
“On this occasion, the repertoire reflects the musical diversity of three monumental composers: Ludwig van Beethoven, who changed the world of quartets forever; Philip Glass, whose language is modern and simple, and our dear friend Caroline Shaw, the youngest artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for her masterpiece Partita for Eight Voices.
“The common thread of the program – which brings together more than 200 years of history – is the expression of musical ideas (without words), through intimacy and purity, in combination with another type of language: that of feelings.
“That’s why we feed off both new and old music, because there are always new sounds to discover and interpret. My musical tastes also include electronic style, hip hop and even alternative, represented by bands like Radiohead.
We are about to start a project with an emerging record label; We stay in shape by recording more songs. However, something that fascinates me is that we are all composers, so we manage to provide feedback between the works we write and those we perform by other musicians.
Consisting of Amy Schroeder and Domenic Salerni on violins, Nathan Schram on viola, and Andrew Yee on cello, the Attacca Quartet is recognized for its innovative approach and ability to perform traditional to contemporary classical compositions.
Magazine The Nationspecialized in news, opinions and political and cultural analysis, pointed out that the group live in the present aesthetically, without rejecting the virtues of the musical past
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on the discs Orange (2020) y Evergreen (2022), the musical ensemble collaborated with the composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer and great reader Caroline Shaw, considered a fundamental figure in the world of concert halls
; Both productions won a Grammy in the category of best chamber music or small ensemble performance in the corresponding year.
For Nathan Schram, who has also collaborated with artists such as Björk, Sting, James Blake, Joshua Bell and David Crosby, among others, it is important to have several personal projects in order to expand his musical horizon and bring new perspectives to the ensemble.
“It is easier to make decisions when you have numerous interests in life. I am currently studying a doctorate in composition and enjoying time with my family. Although we live in an overwhelming technological era, it will always be worth going to a chamber music concert, as you experience an intimate and quality moment that has no comparison with the streaming or with the best speakers.
Spectators will find a little peace, compassion and tranquility in our concert or, at least, they will awaken other emotions, but yes: no using the phone or any other device, the idea is to free yourself from everyday pressures
concluded the violist.
The Attacca Quartet will perform today at 8 p.m. in the Nezahualcóyotl Room and tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. they will offer a master class in the Carlos Chávez Room, dedicated to various string ensembles from the Life and Movement Music School of the Ollin Cultural Center Yoliztli, the National Conservatory of Music and the Faculty of Music of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Tickets for the performance cost 150 pesos and can be purchased at the box office or on the ticketscultura.unam.mx website. There will be a live broadcast through the musica.unam.mx page