With Sara Watkins still playing through my mind, on Monday 14th November I headed to Wigmore Hall in London. A definite treat for me - my first visit to this legendary venue for one of the Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts. Nice place! Though the balcony seating is rather snug.
After October and the Sacconi Quartet, two string quartets in as many months courtesy of Cuarteto Quiroga. They were joined by pianist Javier Perianes for a programme of Granados and Brahms. All musicians of a very high calibre from the programme notes.
First up was Granados' Piano Quintet in G minor Op 49. I enjoy playing some of Granados' solo piano pieces but had not heard this piece before. All very exciting! The Quintet is a relatively early piece and reaches beyond a 'Spanish' sound, in particular in the first movement 'allegro. The second movement was pure poetry - piece and the performance by the 5 musicians. In a less-is-more vein, the movement has a simple melody and sparse harmonies with a nod to Spain's Moorish past. This movement clearly captivated the whole audience - at least judging by the fit of coughing at the end! The 'molto presto' in the final movement incorporated a more Hungarian dance feel - very exuberant!
Cuarteto Quiroga and Javier Perianes have recorded the Granados Quintet - judging by the Wigmore Hall performance this will be going on my shopping list! The recording information is available at the Quiroga's website.
After this amazing piece, to Brahms. I have a somewhat love/hate relationship to Brahms and whilst I have heard and enjoyed the Piano Quintet Op. 34 before, this time it wasn't communicating to me. Nothing to do with the performance - throughout both pieces the level of musicianship was fantastic - often lean and clean. However this time I found the Brahms very dense.
As I write, the concert is still available on the Radio 3 website.
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