Review: Boston Artists Ensemble Navigates Mozart’s Complexities in Acclaimed Salem Concert

Salem, MA – On January 8, 2025, the esteemed Boston Artists Ensemble took the stage at Hamilton Hall in Salem, presenting an evening dedicated to the intricate and emotionally profound chamber music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The performance, reviewed that evening, highlighted the ensemble’s characteristic “polish and poise,” offering audiences a deep exploration into two significant works from the composer’s later years.

The program featured the Divertimento in E-flat, K. 563, a cornerstone of the string trio repertoire, followed by the String Quartet in D minor, K. 563. While the latter designation for the quartet appears unconventional, the ensemble’s performance, as observed, aimed to plumb the complex emotional landscape within these pieces.

A Deep Dive into the Divertimento

The first half of the concert was dedicated to the nearly 45-minute span of the Divertimento in E-flat, K. 563. This work is particularly notable not just for its musical depth but also for its personal significance to Mozart; it was dedicated to Michael Puchberg, a fellow Freemason who provided Mozart with crucial financial support through loans totaling approximately 1400 florins, delivered in amounts ranging from 30 to 300 florins.

The performance of this expansive work was undertaken by a trio comprising Violist Tatiana Dimitriades, violist Rebecca Gitter, and cellist Jonathan Miller. Their interpretation was marked by an effort to uncover the “dense, mystifying” threads woven throughout the piece, exploring a “wide sweep of emotions” across its numerous movements. The ensemble’s commitment to uncovering the work’s narrative was evident.

However, the performance was not without its minor challenges. During the Andante movement, the review noted “fitful lapses in intonation” among the players. Despite this, the ensemble demonstrated remarkable skill in other sections, particularly praised for their “tonal blend” in the Menuettos, showcasing a unified and sensitive approach to these stylized dance movements.

Exploring Turbulence in the Quartet

The second half of the evening shifted focus to the String Quartet in D minor, K. 563. This piece holds a unique place within Mozart’s celebrated set of “Haydn Quartets,” being the only one composed in a minor key. As such, it naturally explores themes of “greater turbulence” and dramatic intensity compared to its major-key counterparts.

For the quartet performance, the trio was joined by First violinist Julianne Lee. The ensemble for this work consisted of Ms. Lee on First Violin, with Ms. Dimitriades and Ms. Gitter performing on Viola, and Mr. Miller on Cello. This configuration, adhering to the observed performance details, presented the quartet through a rich, dark-hued lens.

The ensemble tackled the emotional complexities of the D minor quartet with palpable energy. Their collective effort aimed to convey the work’s dramatic shifts and inherent tensions, characteristic of Mozart’s later explorations in the quartet form. While specific details of the quartet’s movements were not singled out for individual critique in the summary, the inclusion of Ms. Lee added a distinct voice to the ensemble’s texture, contributing to the overall dynamic.

Overall Assessment

Despite the brief noted issue with intonation in the Divertimento, the Boston Artists Ensemble delivered an “overall spirited and vital performance” of both Mozart works. Their presence at Hamilton Hall provided the Salem audience with an opportunity to witness chamber music played with significant “polish and poise.”

The concert served as a reminder of Mozart’s enduring genius and the Boston Artists Ensemble’s dedication to interpreting his complex legacy. The exploration of both the intricate architecture of the Divertimento and the dramatic landscape of the D minor piece underscored the ensemble’s capability in navigating the challenging demands of this repertoire, leaving an impression of a committed and vibrant musical offering on January 8, 2025.