Last Monday I and my close friend Elizabeth took our seats in the Cavendish Hall, ready to be entertained by a group of string players we had not heard before. From their first entry on the stage, the group promised we would hear and see something very special.
The opening work was Haydn’s ‘Jack-in-the-box’ Quartet which was performed with a wonderful dynamic range. The balance between the two violins,viola and cello was excellent. The players looked and expressed their pleasure in performing this lively work with its contrasting, gentle sonorous adagio and contrasting movements which really covered many emotions.
Piece number two was probably the first twenty-first century piece played for Peak Music members. Written by Vivienne Fung in 2001 and revised ten years later, it was a complete contrast in style and the players used their instruments in unusual ways. At times this high-energy piece almost sounded electronic. It was a rare treat.
The programme finished with the one and only Ravel String Quartet which is well known and loved. The playing was powerful and brought this excellent concert to an end, which made me determined to hear more string music. Thank you all who made this concert possible.
Judith Wallace