FINE PLAYING BY TEL AVIV QUARTET

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 12

FINE PLAYING BY TEL AVIV QUARTET

A subscription concert for (the Chamber. Music Society (was given in the Civic Theatre last evening by the (Tel Aviv String Quartet, Messrs Chaim Taub, Menachem Breuer, Daniel Benyamini, and Uzi Wiesel. There was a large audience which enjoyed some very fine playing.

The programme began with Haydn’s String Quartet in D major, Op. 20 No. 4—a work set in quiet and thoughtful mood. There were many variations in tone all in predominantly dark colours. Such subtle variations showed the control these players have of their instruments, and also showed their musicianly sensitivity. The balance of the playing at all levels was perfectly maintained, the phrasing was delicately poised, and the clarity of line never faltered. Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet in C major, Op. 36, was a remarkable work of diverse moods and challenging expression, with a successfully experimental first movement, a brilliant second movement of scherzo type, and a third movement interesting not only for its skillful treatment of variation .form,

but also for its cadenza-like interludes tor cello, viola, and violin respectively. The playing had astonishing vitality and the whole spirit of the work with its changing moods was splendidly realised. Brahms’s Quartet in C minor, began with silken tone of lovely autumnal colourings and beautiful

sonorities. Very rich ensemble sounds were created and the first movement was a procession of rich and warm delights expressed with great finesse. Rounded, perfectly balanced, and exquisitely singing tone marked the meditative second movement. It was music of pleasant remniiscense, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The allegretto moved along with gracious and quiet flow never rising to any weight of tone but holding complete interest all the way. The trio had a more merry twinkle and made a piquant contrast. The last movements had fire and generous feeling, and bubbling good nature expressed in a flood of sound rising to a great climax in a splendidly controlled accelerando. C T 7 D