Chilingirian Quartet

Press, 7 April 1988, Page 6

Chilingirian Quartet

Chilingirian Quartet presented by the Music Federation of New Zealand at the James Hay Theatre, April 6, 8 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. The Vivo, the Kronos, the Bergonzi and, last evening, the Chilingirian: goodquality string quartets seem to be crossing my path at the amazing rate of one a month in recent times. The Chilingirian Quartet’s programme follpwed the standard chamber threecourse menu. Mozart’s String Quartet in F, K. 590, provided a light and easily digestible entree, Tippett’s String Quartet No. 4, a high-fibre main, and Schubert’s String Quartet in A minor a creamy dessert. All three courses were presented stylishly, and successfully garnished with all manner of subtle interpretative devices. The four; musicians showed an easy rapport and sustained a happy blend of sound throughout. Most impressive was their ability to infuse rhythms with an infectious lilt,

whether it be in a gracious minuetto or a rollicking gipsy-inspired allegro. Both the Mozart and Schubert quartets featured movements that were successfully fired by this means. In these two works also, evidence was given of a facility for tidy phrasings. Melodies were clearly delineated and ( each section shaped with an unfailing sense of direction. The highlight of the concert, however, ! was undoubtedly the .reading of Tippett’s String Quartet. This is! not a work for the faint-hearted to tackle. With four movements played continuously, a welter of ' double-stopped lines,! elaborate contra- ‘ puntal textures, and challenging rhythms the music puts considerable demands on ! the performers’ stamina. ; The Chilingirian’s account was notable ! as much for its technical consistency as for its emotional intensity. The performance was both polished and expressive; ; in short, a fitting testimony to the group’s musical powers.