Quartet unites in true harmony

The world famous ensemble, the Guarneri String Quartet performs on campus this Sunday. The members have recorded and toured internationally together for the past 34 years, making the group the oldest string quartet in the world.

During those years, the group developed a relationship with the University performing on campus 27 times, most recently in 1996.

"They've been here a lot, probably more than any string quartet," University Musical Society President Kenneth Fisher said. "Our relationship with them is deep and goes back to the beginning of the quartet 30 years ago."

Second violinist John Dalley grew up in Ann Arbor. His father, Orien, taught in the Music School. This local connection contributed to the Guarneri quartet's first invitation to play on campus.

Since then, the quartet has achieved a special status among string quartets. The four original members, Arnold Steinhardt, Dalley, Michael Tree and David Soyer, remain together, in despite their grueling practice and travel schedule. The relationshi

Courtesy of Herbert Barrett Management John Dalley, Arnold Steinhardt, Michael Tree and David Soyer are the Guarneri Quartet.

ps between the musicians even inspired the critically acclaimed film "High Fidelity." Fisher said, "They have remained together for so many years, and it's truly amazing."

Part of this longevity comes from the group's sense of balance. Fisher describes it as "a magical formula" where the members can devote time to both work and their families.

A different kind of balance between four separate instruments produces the group's unified sound. "What impresses me about the Guarneri is the quality of each individual musician and the blending of the sounds in an ensemble," Fisher said. "It's not four individuals each hacking away at the quality of their music. It's really one ensemble where the members are sensitive to each other."

The musicians will apply that balance to pieces by Arriaga, Berg and Grieg during this performance. "Their past concerts included composers at all different levels of celebrity," Fisher said, "and this one is no exception." The group exposes the audience to unknown composers, while also performing more traditionally popular chamber music.

This formula brought the group national attention. The Quartet has toured around the country and North America. In their hometown of New York City, they have performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Lincoln Center numerous times. In addition, they've played concert halls all over South America, Europe, Australia and the Far East.

No one knows for sure what the Quartet's next project will be, but with any luck they will continue their long tradition. "I know that the chamber music world hopes they'll continue to play together as long as they can," Fisher said.

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