The greatness of Beethoven (From Basingstoke Gazette)

The greatness of Beethoven

8:30am Monday 9th March 2009

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THERE is probably no other musical experience as satisfying, both for performers and audience, as an expertly played string quartet.

The Tippett Quartet – made up of John Mill (violin), Jeremy Isaac (violin), Maxine Moore (viola) and Bozidar Vukotic (cello) – certainly reminded us of this in their concert.

Formed in 1998 and taking their name from the British composer Michael Tippett, they have become one of Britain’s most successful young quartets.

Their programme for the Basingstoke Concert Club consisted of Quartet in B flat, Opus 76, No.4 by Haydn, Tippett’s own Quartet No.1, and Beethoven’s Quartet in C sharp minor, Opus 131.

Throughout the concert, the group’s playing showed clarity of ensemble, contrast of instrumental tone-colour and an intimacy of expression which, in these great quartets, seemed almost like a group of friends conversing, sometimes even arguing, and then coming together in harmony.

All this was achieved by varied and subtle phrasing, fine dynamic gradation, and a sparing and tasteful use of vibrato. Although balance required that the Beethoven, as the longest work, should occupy the second half of the concert, the placing of Tippett between the two earlier works was a very judicious piece of programming.

It brought out so much about the development of the string quartet genre, allowing us, for example, to hear Tippett’s beautiful slow movement before the Adagios in the Beethoven, and thus to experience, as it were by hindsight, the influences affecting the later composer.

Through their profound interpretation, the Tippett Quartet left us in no doubt about the true greatness of Beethoven, and of the string quartet as a medium for the expression of the deepest of human thoughts and emotions. It was an exciting and memorable occasion.

Basingstoke Concert Club’s next concert will feature the Armonico Consort, and will take place at Trinity Methodist Church, on March 21. Further details are available from basingstokeconcertclub.org.uk, or by calling 01256 328589.

–David Lucas

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