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 violinistMonique 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.
The juxtaposition of the sarabande style elements with the sparkling deftness of the ensuing vivace in the second movement was a delight to hear, while the clarity of the fugal writing, the rhythmic exactitude and glittering 9/8 ending in the Allegro energico Finale made a stunning end to the concert.
There are many talented young composers making an important contribution to the wealth of New Zealand composition and 23-year-old 2016 Silver Scroll SOUNZ Contemporary Award winner Salina Fisher, for her composition Rainphase, is certainly one of them.
Her CMNZ commissioned composition, Tōrino, made an immediate impression in this concert. The recreation of flute, trumpet and percussion sounds of the Maori instrument pūtōrino on string instruments, was magical.
