Terrific timing in energetic concert in Leamington

While enjoying a hectic European tour, Bretano brought a very fresh non-European approach to Bartok at their Pump Room concert.

As the quartet in residence at Princeton, New Jersey, they enjoy performing a very wide repertoire and as Misha Amory, their cellist put it, “we’re Jack of all trades”.

They opened with a finely focused Beethoven Quartet in F Opus 135 demonstrating space, energy and terrific timing, most particularly in the furious vivace. Their non-European approach to Bartok’s Quartet No 4 was most refreshing, the playing helping an audience to more fully understand the piece and its five movement palindromic form. Fine cello lines giving hints of folk music, a fascinating pizzicato movement and a fine balance between the players promoted a welcome clarity of musical conversation.

Brahms Quartet in A minor Opus 51 No 2 completed Bretano’s first concert visit programme. Cellist Nina Lee took centre stage leading the various changes of pace demanded in the finale.

An encore was called for and Bretano played the slow movement from Haydn’s Opus 33 No 2 ‘The Joke’ Quartet – one of the innumerable beautiful songs Haydn composed throughout his oevre.

Rating: 9 out of 10