Vivo String Quartet

Press, 20 November 1987, Page 8

Vivo String Quartet

. Vivo String Quartet at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, November 19, 8 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. The local standards for string playing and ensemble musicianship were redefined last evening. In its inaugural ; recital at the Great Hall, the Vivo Quartet demonstrated beyond doubt that one need not look to the Great Overseas , for quality instrumental work. For Jan Tawroszewicz (violin), Martin Riseley (violin), Anthony van Buren ■' (viola) and James Tennant (cello) pro- ' duced a collective sound that is the • equal of many visiting chamber groups. That such tone and sensitive ' delivery can be achieved in a first Jperformance is a remarkable accomp plishment '' There were errors in the playing to be * suire, most noticeably in the form of slips ; * jn tello intonation and occasional rhythmic indecision from the individual players. Such blemishes, however, were minor and rare, detracting little from the over-all impression of polished professionalism the quartet conveyed. The performance of Bartok’s String ■ 'b . ■ /

Quartet No. 2 provided the highlight of the three-piece programme. This complex and emotional work was unveiled with unfailing craft and musical sensitivity. The searing melodies and anguished harmonies were delivered with an inspiring depth of colour. Many shades of. dynamics and inflections of tone were used in the production of this memorable display of ensemble artistry. Sandwiching the Bartok quartet were works by Mozart (Quartet in D K 575) and Beethoven (Quartet No. 10 in E-flat, Op. 74). Though the latter is not my favourite scribe, I could not help admir- ! ing the classical precision and elegance .of the performance indeed, the quality of the playing brought a fresh flavour to the familiar twists of the master’s style: The Mozart quartet was delivered with' a captivating sparkle and momentum. Barring initial moments of tentative attack, the touch of the quartet here was commendably light and dextrous. Both allegretto movements were characterised by a pulse of appealing vigour. v