PRESENTATION

Terpsycordes Quartet
Girolamo Bottiglieri, first vioin
Raya Raytcheva, second violin
Caroline Cohen-Adad, viola
François Grin, cello

Prism of musical repertoires, multiplicity of approach, kaleidoscope of personalities. These many facets combine to make up the unique character of the Terpsycordes Quartet – at once homogenous and diverse. The formation has won distinction at many international competitions, including a First Prize in Geneva in 2001, and succeeded in radiating its quadruple talent – a magical blend of harmonious and complementary artists, yet innovative and bold in their interpretation.

Both on stage and in the recording studio, the Terpsycordes assert their eclecticism. Their recordings, all acclaimed by the specialized press, reflect a determination to get to the heart of each piece they play, combining rigour and fantasy: Death and the Maiden by Schubert, discovered for the very first time on period instruments (Ricercar), Schumann (Opus 41) and Haydn (Opus 33), sharply in focus, not to mention contemporary works by the Swiss composer Gregorio Zanon (Claves), and Haydn once more, with an album of the Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross (Ricercar).

The Terpsycordes Quartet, based in Geneva, was founded in 1997, and taught by Gabor Takács-Nagy, before being coached notably by members of the Budapest, Hagen, Lasalle or Mosaïques Quartets. Drawing vitality from their contrasting origins (Italy, Bulgaria and Switzerland), its members offer dazzling performances to audiences of major concert seasons and festivals around the globe. The muse Terpsichore is their constant inspiration – music’s daughter linking earth and spirit: Terre (earth), psy (spirit), cordes (strings).