"Excellent, assertive finish by quartet"

Sorrel String Quartet

Concord College, Acton Burnell

Shropshire Star, 23 Feb 2007

The programme for the Sorrel String Quartet at Concord College included works by Mozart, Sinmpsonand Brahms.

Sponsored by The Shropshire music Trust, the Sorrel arrived with a considerable reputation but sadly the opening of Mozart's Quartet in B flat K589 was a disappointment.

Fortunately, the second movement, the ravishing Larghetto, saw the quartet play a more suitable level of precision and intensity.

This is a beautiful movement - slow, reflective and a fine showcase for the cello-playing King of Prusia for whom it was composed.

The next work was Robert Simpson's Quartet No 7 Op 56.  Violinist Catherine Yates's introduction was much approciated, both for her historical perspective and her accessible description of the music.  This exciting, unfamiliar work was given a warm reception.

Violinists Gina McCormack and Catherine Yates, Robin Ireland on Viola and Alice Neary on cello all played their hearts out.

It was a performance to send many of us away wanting to hear more of Simpson's compositions.

And finally the wonderful Quartet in C minor Op 51 No 1 by Brahms - it was here that the Sorrels excelled.

It was a fine way to end a concert - confident, assertive and tender as appropriate

Andrew Petch

Last Updated : 26/02/2007