Bartók’s edgy and folk-inspired fourth quartet, probably the most-played of his six quartets, will be sure to mesmerise in the hands of the Takács Quartet.
he concert begins with three movements from Bruch’s most famous chamber music work, the highly romantic Eight Pieces, performed by James Campbell (clarinet), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Dénes Várjon (piano). This is Bruch’s most famous chamber music work, written for his clarinet-playing son. Next up is a new Festival commission – Gillian Whitehead’s third quintet for the New Zealand String Quartet and taonga pūoro, this time premiered with Bob Bickerton, well-known to Festival audiences.
Bruch – Three movements from Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano – James Campbell (clarinet), Gillian Ansell (viola), Dénes Várjon (piano)
Whitehead – Quintet – New Zealand String Quartet, Bob Bickerton (taonga pūoro) – world premiere
Bartók – String Quartet No 4 – Takács Quartet