On December 1, the Molinari Quartet, under the adept direction of violinist Olga Ranzenhofer, delivered a concert that redefined the notion of “festive.” The performance, held at the Montreal Conservatory, unfolded as a captivating musical journey, skillfully blending passion and excitement within the modern landscape of musical expression.
The evening commenced with the mesmerizing piece “Regs” by Azerbaijani composer Franghiz Ali-Zadeh, a work that immediately captured the audience’s attention with its oriental motifs, glissandos, and the fervor infused by Molinari’s interpretation. Despite the distant allusions to Azerbaijani dances for the untrained ear, the ardent repetition of motifs on swift rhythms created a trance-like atmosphere reminiscent of world music. The piece, a testament to Ali-Zadeh’s artistry, left an indelible mark on the audience.
Excerpt from Justin Bernard’s review