El caliu

This string quartet could be regarded as one of the first mature works of teacher Josep Garcia Gago (1921-1999). His almost exclusive dedication to teaching at the Higher Municipal Conservatory of Barcelona, did not prevent him from developing his gift for composition and using it in his teaching at this institution which has just recently (October 2011) celebrated its 125th anniversary.
This quartet, with the evocative title of El Caliu (The Embers) is a little reflective dialogue between parents and children around the fireplace at the time of the early autumn cold. The four string instruments personify the members of the family, in the midst of conversation, just as in the not-too-distant pass our grandparents used to tell stories that their children and grandchildren repeat today to their own families. This conversation is positive and these memories give birth to the future that people dream about and look forward to with optimism; hence the ending in a major key, contrasting with the nostalgic beginning in a minor key.
There is no doubt that this Quartet reflects the personality and style of the teacher.

Josep Maria Garcia Plaja