The Fabulous Five

It is always fascinating to hear a string quartet with the addition of an extra player – in this case the excellent German violist Hariolf Schlichtig – in quintet repertoire.

Schlichtig added extra weight and richness in the sound produced, and inspired the quartet to greater heights of performance.

In both the Mozart quintets is was easy to see visualise and imagine oneself in a gracious 18th Century salon in a grand house with elegant, stylish playing of Mozart’s sublime music. This playing was a true collaboration of musical minds with NZSQ violist Gillian Ansell and Schlichtig alternating as principal viola and with marvellously integrated ensemble playing from the five players.

The later String Quintet in D K593, which was performed first, had wonderfully crisp and lively playing with great dialogue between all the performers and characterful leadership from first violin Helene Pohl.

In the String Quintet in G minor K516, there was gorgeous sounds in the muted third movement adagio and interesting interplay between first violin and Rolf Gjelsten’s rich cello in the final movement.

In each of these works we were treated to very fine Mozart indeed.

The final Brahms’ String Quintet No 1 in F Opus 88 was an altogether richer affair, the quintet producing a luxuriant lush sound that was quite beautiful, every instrument contributing superbly to the success of the performance.

It was a great imaginative concert.