As a leading advocate of modern string quartet music, the 20-year-old JACK Quartet has wholeheartedly adopted the concept of constantly progressing in their work. In a captivating concert held at Hahn Hall last Friday, JACK achieved forward movement by taking unexpected turns and exploring different directions.

Unlock the Mysterious World of Microtonalism with JACK Quartet

Embracing the Past and Present

In a program aptly titled “Modern Medieval,” the quartet traversed a vast musical landscape, ranging from 14th-century music arranged by violinist Christopher Otto to 21st-century pieces. A crucial third “M-word” emerged as the evening's theme: Microtonalism. This term can instill fear and confusion in listeners accustomed to the standard equal temperament tuning of a piano's 12 keys. However, for centuries and across many global cultures, microtonal music has been the norm.Take, for instance, the rare microtonal superstar like iconoclastic American composer Harry Partch with his 43-note octave. True believers find the variations within what is loosely identified as “microtonalism” to be enlightening, as was this sublime JACK encounter. But for others, it might seem a bit unconventional.

Varied Reactions and Musical Explorations

During this concert, which was one of the most daring events in the Music Academy of the West's “Mariposa” series, opinions were divided. In a post-concert Q&A with the musicians, including the since-departed founding violinist Ari Streisfeld, a Music Academy alum, Streisfeld noted the acquired taste factor associated with microtonal practices and listening. Once attuned to and enamored with the microtonal way, he suggested that traditional intonation music “can sound a bit flat. This music has a three-dimensional or even four-dimensional quality.”After the concert, I had a conversation with a listener who admitted that the first half of the concert was jarring and “out of tune” sounding, but that he had perhaps been trained to better appreciate the second half.In Hahn Hall, the modernized Medievalism was manifested through Otto's striking and resourceful arrangements of cryptic music by 14th-century French composer Rodericus, such as the rhythmically complex “Angelorum Psalat” by Solage and contributor to the Ars Nova–era Chantilly Codex, as well as 16th-century English composer Nathaniel Giles. These pieces reminded us of the commonality between early music's adventurism and contemporary music's attempts to break free from established rules.JACK Quartet performing | Credit: CourtesyMore Stories