A mix of power and effervescence

The New Zealand String Quartet continues to go from strength to strength with internationally well-regarded performances and imaginative programming.

Last night’s concert was no exception, with the addition of German violist Hariolf Schlichtig allowing the quartet to present an evening of String Quintets with this relatively uncommon line up, two by Mozart and one by Brahms.

The two Mozart quintets, K515 and K614, provided great contrast throughout the first half of this performance.

Whereas K515, Mozart’s longest string chamber work, has great strength and power, K614, his last major chamber work, brims with joy and effervescence.

He became the leading composer for this combination as he explored the great warmth and richness of tone that was available in the middle register, so beautifully realised throughout this performance.

Both works are full of great Mozart melodic and harmonic treasures, all well explored by the quintet with exquisite attention to detail in a highly disciplined performance that never lost sight of the superb opportunities for expression that this composer provides.

The quintet then turned its attention to Brahms for the second half, with a performance of his String Quintet No 1 in F, Opus 88. No less full of melodic beauty, this is a considerably more dramatic work with a great range of expression required by all the players, who performed this work with wonderful passion and great commitment to this glorious music.

It is always a great pleasure to hear the New Zealand String Quartet in performance and this concert was obvious testimony to its glittering international reputation.