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The Canadian instrumental group, Quartango launched the Boundary and District Arts Council Performance Series for 2009-10 Thursday. The quartet, featuring Douglas Schmidt, Rene Gosselin, Antoine Bareil and Stephane Aubin, entertained and thrilled the audience with the spirit and skill that they brought to their music. Each piece they played, from the traditional themes of Piazzolla to the modern interpretations of Brubeck, was tied to the rhythms, emotions and musical signatures of the tango, though the variety was nevertheless wide and often surprising. Especially noteworthy for their variety were the three selections written by group member Schmidt himself.
The talent of all four musicians was obvious from the first selection, and during the performance, each received the admiration and applause of the audience more than once. Three of the instruments played were themselves worthy of admiration. The unique double bass Gosselin played had a range and tone that was remarkable, and, when coupled with the Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin played by Bareil, produced what must be the widest range of musical notes the Grand Forks audience is ever likely to hear.
Schmidt's bandoneon was the most unusual instrument and the one that gave the group its most unique and characteristic sound. It looked like an elaborate concertina, but was capable of a much warmer, more delicate and evocative sound. Schmidt is only one of three persons able to play the bandoneon in North America; Gosselin paid tribute to his skill several times, recognizing his absolute importance to the group's success.
Close to 150 people attended the concert; their high degree of enjoyment was obvious at its conclusion.
The next concert in the series is Fiddle Frazzle on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
