Call it self-indulgence, experimentation or an act of defiance: Prof. Joshua Gordon (MUS) turned the typical conception of the string quartet on its head Saturday, hosting Brandeis' first classical concert of the year, "Cellotopia," in the Slosberg Recital Hall. The Lydian String Quartet member was joined by three other cellists-former Lydian Rhonda Rider, Rafael Popper-Keizer and David Russell-in an evening that traversed half a millennium of cello arrangements. The works performed ranged from the late 1400s to the 20th century, with a finale combining music and narration. One of the night's most powerful pieces was its most contemporary: the "Fantasy Quartet for Four Celli," written in 1958 by Gunter Schuller. Gordon explained that in Schuller's original performance, the jazz composer went so over-the-top in exploring different combinations of instruments that his arrangement included parts for four basses. At times melodic and at times discordant, "Fantasy Quartet" made extensive use of pizzicato phrases and trills.

It was evident the performers found the night an enjoyable experience, and they developed an easy camaraderie with their audience. As the musicians paused to find the right song on their music stands, Gordon pointed out, "On this one, we are playing from the score," eliciting a chuckle from the crowd.

In sharp contrast to the night's other works, the finale featured Prof. James Oleson (MUS), the director of the Brandeis University Chorus and Chamber Choir, performing a reading of E. B. White's poem, "The Red Cow Is Dead." The instrumental backdrop complemented the reading; the cellists flanked the narrator as their emphatic bow strokes framed his every word. Unfortunately, the hall's acoustics made it difficult to hear Oleson, whose words were somewhat unclear to begin with.

The guest cellists represented a diverse array of institutions. Popper-Keizer is a traveling chamber musician as well as an orchestral section leader, and serves as the principal cellist of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Rider currently coordinates chamber music programs at the Boston Conservatory, and is a member of its cello faculty. Russell is currently a music faculty member at Wellesley College.

From the quartet's inception in 1980 until 2002, Rider had held Gordon's position. By working with similar people, and sharing the atmosphere in Brandeis, Gordon and Rider seemed to share a close emotional connection, making it a musically and personally touching piece. Right before the intermission, Gordon played a duet with Rider of Jacques Offenbach's "Rondo and Polonaise for cello duet." As they approached the work's finish, the emotion attached to the duet culminated with a flourish; they smiled widely, exchanging a hug before taking their bows.