UNIVERSITY CONCERT

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31118, 22 July 1966, Page 8

UNIVERSITY CONCERT

Prague Quartet Delightful

The Prague Quartet again delighted a very large audi. ence In the University Hall yesterday afternoon. The programme began with Haydn’s Quartet in C. Op. 54, No. 2. A cascade of silvery sounds, all merrily glittering as they tumbled forth, set the atmosphere for the first movement The playing was brilliant In tone, of beautiful balance and blend, and phrased in graceful shaping. The slow movement serious and plaintive, had appealing and deeply moving qualitiei and was played with exquisite and calm sounds. The mlnuetto had quiet reserve, and the finale—in slow-quick-slow form —began by continuing the solemn atmosphere of the slow movement, with an idyllic melody running in gracious flow. A more excited section rippling over the smooth surface for a while made bright contrast, and then the work closed peacefully. Hindemith’s Quartet No. 3 —a work of massive proportions—began with a fugato based on a melancholy and rarefied little subject. The harmonic texture suggested a troubled seeking, gentle enough at the beginning, but rising momentarily to stark force and then subsiding. The second movement had rugged strength and melodic angularity. It was played with great rhythmic vigour. The slow movement was fascinating like music heard from afar against a drum beat played pizzicato on the ’cello. The other three instruments had gentle and sinuous melodies delicately interweaving. This was a very attractive movement. The introduction to the last movement was grindingly violent, but the rondo theme was appealing and the general texture of the writing was strong without being threatening. The playing was clear and thoroughly confident —C.F.B.