Classical musicians perform moving music in Williams Center

On Tuesday, members of the Lafayette and Easton communities stepped in from the windy day to enjoy an evening of music. With nothing on stage besides four chairs and four music stands, the audience could take in the sheer beauty of the music.

The Takàcs Quartet began their set with an upbeat Quartet in C major, Op. 74, No. 1 by Joseph Haydn. The four members— first violinist, Edward Dusinberre, second violinist, Károly Schranz, principal violinist, Gerldine Walther and cellist, András Fejér—played in perfect harmony with one another. From the first bright, clear note that resonated throughout the theater, the passion of the musicians was apparent. Their shoulders and heads moved rhythmically along with the music, as their faces expressed their passion for each tune.

The group then played Quartet No. 3 in F major, Op. 73, composed by Dimitri Shostakovich had a more narrative feel to it. The beginning movement began with a cartoon-like sound, with several bits of dissonance. After a brief intermission, the Quartet reentered the stage for their final piece, Quartet No. 14 in A-flat major, Op. 105 composed by Antonín Dvorák. The quartet signed CDs, and chatted with attendees in the lobby afterwards over some light refreshments.

The evening program contained a lovely blend of musical composers, styles and tones.

The quartet, which resides in Boulder, Colorado, began and developed a string program focusing on chamber music for students of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The Takàcs Quartet is recognized as one of the world’s great ensembles because of its ability to combine four unique musicians into one brilliantly sounding group. It has received multiple honors, including the Wigmore Hall Medal in May 2014. In the past 32 years, the quartet has made appearances in Carnegie Hall, Stanford University and the Universities of Richmond and Florida.