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Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 13:53
In fact it was for the remarkable Herold Quartet and their compatriot composer Václav Zahradnik who travelled with them, and the launch of his first CD whose String Quartet in D the ensemble had just premiered.
In 2007 the Czech group journeyed across Europe in a Skoda to honour their booking with T3A. It was a worthwhile effort. As a result of their performance then that not only were they asked to return for this season, but so impressed was a T3A member, Rose Tempest, that she commissioned this CD of Zahradnik's music.
I am a little wary of 'new' music, but this tuneful Quartet was immediately accessible. Fluctuating between D major and minor, its arresting opening proceeds in classical form to the gentle ending, the second violin demurring – as in the following reflective movement that began with a pulsing accompaniment to a lovely cello solo. Impressed, in the interval the audience bought 100 copies of the new CD!
The concert began with Haydn's String Quartet in D, Op.64/5 ('The Lark'). Instantly we were aware of the special quality of the Herold's talents and musicianship.
Czech composers completed the programme. Joseph Suk's Meditation on an old Bohemian Chorale (St Wenceslas) and Smetana's String Quartet No.1 ('From My Life'). Fight with the Giants, a short movement from Zahradnik's third Quartet (Don Quixote), was the encore. In December T3A present a Yuletide Tale by the Musicke Companye.
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