When four top film studio musicians formed the Hollywood String Quartet in the late 1930s, its name was presumed an oxymoron. Exalted string quartet devotees belittled film soundtracks, while studio heads had a reputation for shunning classical music longhairs.
The musicians spent two intense years in rehearsal before disbanding when war broke out, and the quartet was brought back together in 1947 by two of its founders, Felix Slatkin (concertmaster of 20th Century Fox Studio Orchestra) and his wife, Eleanor Aller (principal cellist of the Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra). Oxymoron or not, Hollywood produced the first notable American string quartet.
Throughout the 1950s, the ensemble made a series of revelatory lps for Capitol Records performing the late Beethoven string quartets and much else, while also joining Frank Sinatra in his torchy classic, “Close to You.” Everything that the Hollywood String Quartet touched was distinctive; every recording remains a classic.
The legacy of the Hollywood String Quartet is a party of Hollywood genre-busting and also of string quartet making. Today, the outstanding Lyris Quartet is one of many outstanding string quartets who can be heard in the latest blockbusters. Another is the New Hollywood String Quartetwhich is devoting its annual four-day summer festival to honoring its inspiration as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The quartet’s festival began Thursday night and runs through Sunday in San Marino at the Huntington’s Rothenberg Hall. The repertory is taken from the earlier group’s old recordings. And the concerts are introduced by slatkin and Aller’s oldest son, who as a young boy fell asleep to his parents and their colleagues rehearsing in his living room after dinner.
The New Hollywood String Quartet: A Fresh voice in Chamber music
The New hollywood String Quartet is making waves in the chamber music world with its dynamic performances and innovative approach to repertoire. Comprised of Rafael Rishik, Andrew Shulman, Tereza Stanislav, and Robert Brophy, the quartet is quickly gaining recognition for its compelling interpretations and engaging stage presence.
While the New hollywood String Quartet’s programming may not mirror the expansive range of its predecessors, it offers a focused and distinctive artistic vision.The ensemble champions both established masterpieces and contemporary works, bringing a fresh perspective to familiar pieces and introducing audiences to exciting new compositions.
Their commitment to accessibility and collaboration extends beyond the concert hall,fostering a deeper connection with audiences and solidifying their position as a vital force in the evolving landscape of chamber music.