Chamber Music New Zealand Quintessence
New Zealand String Quartet, with violist James Dunham
Music by Mozart, Selena Fisher and Brahms
MTG Century Theatre, Napier
Friday, September 30
Reviewed by Peter Williams
The New Zealand String Quartet is well known to audiences here, but this was a concert with a difference - a new second violinist Monique Lapin replacing Douglas Bellman after 25 years in the position, and the addition of visiting violist James Dunham, making possible the performance of string quintets by Mozart and Brahms.
Lapin looks to have fitted very well into this ensemble and is sure to be a valued member as the years pass. Dunham was the perfect partner for original NZSQ member, violist Gillian Anselm, both in the unfussy manner of their playing and the additional warmth the two violas made to the overall sound. It was superb.
Mozart's consummate skill as a composer was certainly on display in the performance of the String Quintet No 5 in D Major, capturing fully the eloquence of the composer's writing, with playing that was finely balanced, stylish, vividly contrasted and clear in every detail. Highlights were the moment of return to the La ghetto in the first movement, the delicate balance of the pizzicato in the minuet and the clarity achieved in the contrapuntal playing in the final Allegro.
The String Quintet No. 1 in F 'Spring' Opua. 88 is surely one of the happiest, most relaxed works Brahms ever penned, and this performance certainly emphasised this quality in the lean and freedom conveyed throughout the opening movement.
