New Zealand String Quartet

Everyone loves to hear the New Zealand String Quartet. Their warm intensity, elegance, sensitivity and technical virtuosity endear them to their audiences. And they love playing in Nelson.

On this occasion, they brought an exciting musician from Munich, Germany. A viola player with the curious name of Hariolf Schlichtig.

So the dynamic of the group was altered. There was an expanded centre and a depth of harmony to the inner parts, and an interesting interplay between the two violas. The importance of the cello’s voice was enhanced, and leadership by Helene Pohl on first violin had to be more directive and responsive.

The programme began with a joyful, buoyant Quintet in D by Mozart. From the expressive subtlety of the cello’s introduction, through the animated allegro and gracious adagio, to the fast and furious final fugue, the five musicians brought a feeling of dance and rhythmic sway to the music. All antennae alert, bringing playful energy to fortzandos and changes of tempi. I love the suppleness of tone that Pohl gives to the violin, and her sensitivity of response. Schlichtig played the leading viola part with suitable restraint and clarity of expression.

Then, in a second Mozart Quintet, the mood changed to more sombre introspection – an excellent choice of work to display the viola virtuosity.

From the start, there was an inner agitation, a tense heartbeat, in the violas, below the soaring anguish of the violins. Ansell took the leading viola part, and played it with dramatic individuality. She brought a satisfying penetration to the viola sound.

I so enjoyed the fast-flying violas in unison in the consoling finale, and appreciated the effortless accuracy of the fast runs in the first violin, while cello brought reliability of rhythm and subtlety of expression to every note.

After the perfection of Mozart, the group finished with an exciting and impassioned Brahms Quintet in F. This was lushly romantic, richly textured music, full of demanding cross-rhythms. It was played with total conviction and freedom of expression. I especially enjoyed the eloquence and drama of Ansell’s viola, and the energetic fugue that brought the concert to a breath-taking climax.

The Quartet will return to Nelson in January for their biennial Adam chamber music festival I shall be eager to treat myself again to their musical talents.