© Anna-Maria Viksten

META4
Antti Tikkanen, violin -Minna Pensola, violin -Atte Kilpeläinen, viola -Tomas Djupsjöbacka, cello

Meta4 is one of Finland's most internationally acclaimed string quartets. The ensemble regularly performs on the world's most prestigious stages and is renowned for its versatile and inspiring repertoire.

“Difficult Decision” is the title Beethoven gave to the final movement of what would become his last string quartet, Op. 135 (1826). At the beginning of the movement, Beethoven wrote the question “Muss es sein?” (Must it be?) and answered it at the end: “Es muss sein! Es muss sein!” (Yes, it must be!). This existential and introspective quartet by Beethoven inspired Mendelssohn's passionate and romantic Second String Quartet (1827). The 18-year-old composer, deeply in love, used as a unifying motif a quotation from his earlier song Ist es wahr? (Is it true?, Op. 9/1).

Play III by Jaakko Kuusisto was composed for Meta4 at the request of Minna Pensola. According to the composer, the piece became a portrait of the quartet, where each musician was given cadenza-like solos reflecting their individual character. Kuusisto's immense musicianship is present throughout the work, which he wrote for his close friends — musicians whose talents he knew intimately. Playfulness, joy, and laughter — the salt and sugar of life — are skilfully woven into the music.

Duration approx. 70 minutes, no intermission.

Tickets €15–35 + order fees (from €1.50 + 0.65% per order at www.lippu.fi)