Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In addition to writing in a contemporary classical style, Ross Harris has also been the accordionist and resident composer for Klezmer band, The Kugels. This version of his ‘Klezmer Tunes’ has been especially arranged for the New Zealand String Quartet. Volglenish is an up-tempo, driving tune with twists and turns as flexible as the tempo of the piece. Melancolia begins with a tentative, searching melody from the first violin above sparse pizzicato in the rest of the quartet before they gradually join in. The third tune, Schmeggege, brings further playfulness and wit to the work, before the finale, Faln, gradually transitions us from mourning slow-moving melodies into a more focussed, joyful celebration to finish the set of tunes.
00:00 Volglenish (Wandering)
02:23 Melancolia
05:23 Schmeggege (Nonsense)
06:40 Falm (Falling)
Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet: Peter Clark (violin), Arna Morton (violin - guest), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Martin Smith (cello) at the Adam International Chamber Music Festival, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, 6 February 2026.
Audio recorded by Bob Bickerton. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
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Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
In addition to writing in a contemporary classical style, Ross Harris has also been the accordionist and resident composer for Klezmer band, The Kugels. This version of his ‘Klezmer Tunes’ has been especially arranged for the New Zealand String Quartet. Volglenish is an up-tempo, driving tune with twists and turns as flexible as the tempo of the piece. Melancolia begins with a tentative, searching melody from the first violin above sparse pizzicato in the rest of the quartet before they gradually join in. The third tune, Schmeggege, brings further playfulness and wit to the work, before the finale, Faln, gradually transitions us from mourning slow-moving melodies into a more focussed, joyful celebration to finish the set of tunes.
00:00 Volglenish (Wandering)
02:23 Melancolia
05:23 Schmeggege (Nonsense)
06:40 Falm (Falling)
Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet: Peter Clark (violin), Arna Morton (violin - guest), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Martin Smith (cello) at the Adam International Chamber Music Festival, Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, 6 February 2026.
Audio recorded by Bob Bickerton. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
--
Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
