Library Concert: Quartet Novalis
June 10th, 2025
Based in New York City, Quartet Novalis is a period-instrument ensemble devoted to reimagining the sound world of the 18th and 19th centuries. With a spirit of curiosity and a passion for uncovering overlooked repertoire, the group approaches music as a living, expressive language—drawing inspiration from their namesake, the philosopher Novalis, who saw language as a force capable of transcending boundaries. Performing on historical instruments, the quartet seeks to dissolve the distance between past and present, offering audiences fresh perspectives and visceral experiences of early repertoire.
With support from the Holland Society, the Quartet will travel to the Netherlands this August to perform at the Fringe which is part of the Utrecht Early Music Festival. They will also compete in the International Van Wassenaer competition, both of which mark an exciting step in their artistic journey.
To thank the Society, Quartet Novalis presented a lunchtime concert at the Holland Society Library on Tuesday June 10th. The Quartet performed Fanny Hensel’s String Quartet in E-flat Major and Hyacinthe Jadin’s String Quartet Op. 2 No. 1. Both reflect the tension between power and love as central themes of the human condition. Together, these quartets illustrate the human struggle for self-expression and connection, where power and love are inseparable forces that push individuals to transcend isolation and create meaning through interaction and artistic endeavor.
A recording of the performance which was livestreamed can be viewed here.