At the Playhouse on Friday evening Schubert's Notturno with its gentle rippling was the perfect overture to his Trout Quintet.
It was performed by Hyeyoon Park (violin), Timothy Ridout (viola), Kian Soltani (cello) and Benjamin Grosvenor (piano) with Leon Bosch's double bass discreetly enriching the tone in what is one of the most popular chamber works from the Romantic era.
Always responsive to every detail in the score and making light of technicalities, the musicians clearly enjoyed playing together, and the audience was able to share their pleasure. Inventive and high-spirited, but not too serious, the variations on the Trout theme came as a perfectly natural happy conclusion.
Quieter and more reflective, Bartok's First Rhapsody had a link through Hungarian folksong with Brahms' typically substantial First Piano Quartet. Again ensemble throughout was as impressive as the commitment. Setting off at top speed, the finale maintained its pace and pulsating dance rhythm to the end. Breathtaking!
Christopher Smith
• The Trout Quintet was part of this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival. For your daily guide to festival events click here• For all the latest festival news and reviews click here
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