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27 October 2009
'The doors are locked now – you're in trouble." These words to the audience from the world-renowned St Lawrence String Quartet introduced the work of John Adams, America's best-known composer. To the Nelson audience of mainly long-standing, loyal Chamber Music NZ subscribers, not known for embracing contemporary music, these were ominous words indeed.
Adam's String Quartet had never been performed in Nelson and has only recently been heard by New Zealand audiences. It was commissioned for the St Lawrence quartet and was premiered at the beginning of this year. Little wonder, then that the audience were slightly apprehensive. And, at 30 minutes long, it appeared daunting.
All was well, however, as the quartet embarked on a passionate and energised performance, sweeping the audience up in their enthusiasm and almost frenetic pace. You were in no doubt that you were part of a very alive performance, but one where the players were always in control. The Adams quartet was surprisingly accessible, varied and intense. There were moments of deep beauty. Each instrument was given an opportunity for a solo and the beautiful, deep notes on the cello that ended the long first movements stayed hovering above a mesmerised audience.
Safely sandwiched between two brilliant bookends, the Adams quartet was enthusiastically received.
The opening piece was the Quartet in F Opus 77 No 2 by Joseph Haydn, composed at the height of his fame. There was spirited playing throughout, with a brilliant cadenza from the first violin in the finale.
Mendelssohn's String Quartet No 6 in F minor Opus 80 was the other bookend. A Romantic composer, this was written shortly after the death of his beloved sister and is full of raw emotions.
Once again, the St Lawrence quartet played with frenzied pace and deep understanding. Twenty years together have allowed them to find unforgettable union while still retaining the brilliance of the individual instruments.