John Helmich, violin
Julie Fox Henson, violin
Roslyn Green, viola
George Work, cello
Tuesday May 16th 2023
Belin Quartet Concert Program
Rachmaninoff String Quartet No. 1
I. Allegro con brio
II. Allegretto ma non troppo
Beethoven String Quartet no. 11, Op. 95
I. Allegro con brio
II. Allegretto ma non troppo
III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
IV. Larghetto espressivo
Program notes
Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 95 is recognized as a piece from his “middle” period. The key and style of the piece resemble another work from this period, the overture to Goethe’s drama Egmont. However, the composition stands alone from other quartets of that period and acts as a bridge to the quartets of the “late” period. Its quick transitions from technically complex to simple and lyrical passages, plus the minor key are manifested in the title Beethoven gave the piece: “Quartet Serioso.” The title is also perhaps a reflection of the composer’s life at the time. When the piece was written in 1810, Beethoven had just experienced a failed love affair, his deafness was worsening, and Napoleon had just invaded Vienna the year prior.
The first movement begins with an abrupt unison phrase of 11 notes, followed by a short pause. The intensity builds with the violin leaping octaves. The main theme can be heard throughout the condensed sonata-form movement, with two other contrasting themes. The second movement features a lyrical theme first brought out in the cello, which later is juxtaposed with a different theme in the Fugato section. The third movement is in typical scherzo form, and changes between Scherzo and Trio sections. The tempo increases as the main theme repeats a final time, bringing the movement to a resolution and making way for the last movement. The slow beginning of the last movement embodies the tense mood of the entire piece, which is heavily contrasted with a lighthearted, major key run at the very end. This is characteristic of Beethoven’s efforts to portray victory and triumph over hardship.
For more than 20 years, Belin Quartet concerts have been presented to our community at no charge through the generosity of the Belin Family.
Meet the Musicians
About the Belin Quartet
The Belin Quartet has been harmonizing with the Des Moines community for more than 20 years. With instrumental support from the Civic Music Association since its founding, the Belin Quartet honors the enduring legacy of David Belin (1928-1999) and Connie Belin (1930-1980).
More about the Quartet
Violinist Tracy Engman Finkelshteyn joined the Belin Quartet in 2005. A Des Moines native, she earned Bachelor of Music Education and Doctor of Music degrees from Northwestern University and a Master of Music Degree from the Yale School of Music.
Tracy was a member of the first violin sections of the Winnipeg Symphony and Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and has served on the faculty of several Universities including Northwestern, St. Olaf College, Carleton College and North Carolina State University.
Violinist John Helmich has been a member of the Belin Quartet since 2004. John received his Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance and his Master of Music degree in Violin Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. While there, he was awarded the Howard Hanson Scholarship and graduated with High Distinction.
Violinist Julie Fox Henson has been a member of the Belin Quartet since 2001 and is the Assistant Concertmaster of the Des Moines Symphony. She performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the area. Julie enjoys a successful teaching studio in the Ames/Des Moines area and was voted the 2010 Leopold LaFosse Studio Teacher of the Year by the Iowa String Teachers Association.
Rebecca Vieker is a performer and teacher in Des Moines, Iowa. Born in Detroit, Rebecca began violin lessons at the age of 4 and began taking viola lessons during high school. She completed a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying under Jonah Sirota of the Chiara Quartet. She went on to earn a Master’s degree and a Performance Diploma from Boston University, under the tutelage of Michelle LaCourse.
Cellist George Work has been a member of the Belin Quartet since 2008. A professor of cello at Iowa State University and member of the Des Moines Symphony, George holds his bachelor’s and master’s degrees of music and a performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music, where he also served as teaching assistant to Robert Sylvester.
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23rd Summer Season
Belin Quartet Summer Concert Series
Join us on the lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 PM for free performances by the Belin Quartet.
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