„LA FOLIA” by the KARSKIS - TRACES FESTIVAL 2026

Grażyna Bacewicz’s String Quartet No. 4 (1951) is a masterclass in resilience. Written in the aftermath of World War II, the quartet balances neoclassical clarity with a deeply personal voice - lyrical melodies weave together with lively rhythms, evoking both introspection and hope. Bacewicz, a virtuoso violinist herself, infuses the work with a sense of forward motion, as if each phrase reaches toward a brighter horizon.

Boccherini’s quintets are treasures of the chamber repertoire, each with its own unique charm. Op. 40/1 in A major, “Folias de España”, is a celebration of Spanish tradition, with its Minuet’s Trio section built on the legendary folia - a hypnotic, repeating harmonic sequence that has inspired composers for centuries. The work’s playful elegance reflects Boccherini’s mastery of blending Italian grace with Iberian flair.

Op. 51/1 in E-flat major is equally distinctive, showcasing Boccherini’s gift for lyrical warmth and conversational interplay. The quintet’s rich textures, with two cellos weaving in close harmony, create a sense of intimacy and depth.

PROGRAMME:

Luigi Boccherini - String Quintets

op.40/1 "Folias de España"

op.51/1 (world premiere)

Grażyna Bacewicz - String Quartet nr. 4

Artists: Karski Quartet, Raphaël Feye - cello

Raphaël Feye

After studying classics at Schola Nova, Raphaël Feye graduated summa cum laude in cello at the Royal Music Conservatory of Brussels with Marie Hallynck as well as the Hochschule Felix Mendelssohn in Leipzig with Peter Hörr. He went on studying string quartet on the field of Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel with Artemis Quartet while having the privilege to perfect his art in tune with Alban Berg Quartet, Danel Quartet, Lluis Claret and Eberhard Feltz. As an active cellist member of the Coryfeye quartet he performed in a wide range of venues throughout Europe being on stage with prominent musicians such as: Elina Buksha, Malin Broman, Lorenzo Gatto, Karski Quartet, Ashot Khatchatourian, Pavel Kolesnikov, Yura Lee, Aleksandar Madzar, Pascal Moraguès, Laura Samuel, among others. In terms of conducting, his first magic wanded steps took stage at the side of Jean-Sébastien Béreau, Jorma Panula and Niels Muus. Deeply inspired by his work, he has further collaborated with Sir Roger Norrington. Together with Camille Feye, he founded Les Métamorphoses Orchestra and recorded Haydn, Lipatti, Mozart and Weinberg for EPR classics with pianist Julien Libeer and cellist Pieter Wispelwey. He conducted the London Mozart Players as well as the Janacek Philharmonic, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège. In the Opera field, he has been guest conductor for the following Operas: die Zauberflöte, Don Giovanni, Entführung aus dem Sérail and Don Pasquale

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