Forum Theatre, Malvern – 19th January 2025
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Malvern Concert Club once again bless us with another intriguing programme of Classical Music from top musical ensembles – today it was the Pavel Haas Quartet.
The concert began with Dvorak’s Cypresses for String Quartet from 1887. I think most would chiefly know Dvorak for his deservedly revered New World Symphony (the Hovis advert for anyone of a certain age) but his chamber works are well worth seeking out. Tonight’s was a case in point; being a charming set of transcriptions from an earlier song cycle. Most fall into the slower end of the scale and they all inhabit a similar feeling of wistful reverie and nostalgic yearning.
My favourtie movement was No 7 “Wander often past yonder house”, with its affecting cello part supporting increasingly agitated middle parts. The haunting melody line which violinist Veronika Jarůšková wrung every last drop of emotion out of was sumptuous! I also loved the bombastic overture style and interesting range of rhythms that Dvorak throws at the finale. It really does feel like the coming together of all the other movements in a satisfying and thrilling conclusion. The Quartet gave us a suitably muscular, vibrant tone which really brought the piece to life, ending on a real high.
Second on the programme was Martinů’s String Quartet No.5 (1938). Dedicated to his younger lover, one can sense the angst and passion as (one imagines) he grappled with the intense personal feelings. I loved Šimon Truszka (viola) use of special effects (such as using the side of the bow) in the second movement, as well as the overall agitated start and dissonance throughout. The work built (and built) with tension ramping towards the end – the musicians again showing an awe inspiring power, making the music literally exploded off the page. At times they sounded like an amplified rock band! Incredible musicianship.
After the break (which we all needed after the emotion of the last piece) it was on to Smetana’s “From My Life” (1876), his first string quartet. Another blockbuster, full of heartfelt music like the last movement which portrayed in sound the composer’s loss of hearing which was heralded with a high pitched E natural (here wrought with conviction on the first violin). I was blown away by the intuitive connection that the violins had (Marek Zwiebel masterfully playing the second part). All performers gave their all
(mentally and physically); up out of their seats, with cellist Peter Jarůšek having both feet off the floor, digging into his instruments at one point! Not only an adrenaline rush of sound but visually too.
And to cap it all the quartet rounded off this all Czech programme with an Argentine Tango from Erwin Schulhoff – which was gorgeous and the perfect way to end a spectacular concert.
The Pavel Haas Quartet are amazing with crisp, tight, precise playing and a dynamic range amply displaying a musical sensibility to be justly proud of plus a sonorous, sweet singing tone coupled with intense, dramatic interpretations… I could wax lyrical all night but suffice to say – a fabulous programme from sublime musicians. Another triumphant concert in the series and I cannot wait for the next one! Bravo to all concerned.