2 May 2010Wihan Quartet VI
Concord College, Acton Burnell
For their sixth concert in their series in which The Wihan Quartet is performing all Beethoven’s string quartets, they played Op.18 No.6 and Op 130 at Concord College. From the opening notes it was obvious that this would be an outstanding event.
The early work is exuberant, starting with a lively allegro. The musicians established a keen sense of ensemble which made their performance rhythmically and dynamically secure . This was equally true of the slower, reflective moments.
Op 130 is one of the composer’s last works; Beethoven recognised the challenge this music posed to performers and listeners alike. In his last, deaf years he said his quartets were for a later age. The Wihan Quartet gave an exemplary performance by approaching the music as a sacred ritual; the beautiful opening was hushed, intense and deeply spiritual though this feeling alternated with moments of serenity and earthy vitality.
In this six movement work, the Cavatina is perhaps the best known section; no wonder that the thought of it was alleged to have brought tears to Beethoven’s eyes. It combines a sublime simplicity with a heart-rending tenderness which the musicians cherished. They have the rich, resonant sound so characteristic of Czech string players; on the few occasions when cellist Ales Kasprik and viola player Jiri Zigmund were heard without their violin-playing colleagues the sound was wonderful. This is not to detract from the skills of Leos Cepicky and Jan Schulmeister who showed the same warmth in their playing.
This was a truly outstanding concert. The group was unable to play the fifth concert in the series – travel difficulties due to the recent Icelandic volcano. They will perform the concert on September 12th.
Andrew Petch
Last Updated : 03/05/2010