How about Sunday afternoon tea with Mozart and Dvorak? Take your fancy? It should. Mozart is your first treat – the String Quartet in G minor, K. 516. Is a “viola” quintet, in that it is scored for a string quartet and an extra viola. I will say from the outset that I actually prefer the viola over the violin – the sound for me is much sweeter; more delicate. It is an emotive piece which journeys through many moods in its 4 movements. It dances, dirges and dances again. It illustrates (as if there was ever any doubt) the magic and magnificence of Mozart’s manipulation of music.
The Acacia group then followed with a new work by Sydney based composer Nick Wales. Boomi’s Ray strikes one as a filmic piece; and this is the milieu of modern days composers, for whom the present day film and television producers and directors are the princely patrons of the past. As part of their mission statement, Acacia enthusiastically support the work of modern day composers; intent on bringing the work of modern day composers to a wide audience. The piece bridged nicely from the 1780’s to now.
The second half saw us transported to Dvorak’s love of America with the String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 97. Listening, I could hear elements of slave song, native American drumbeats and see, even feel, the big sky of the mid-West.
Excellent choices for a Sunday winter’s afternoon. I was reminded of those wonderful cities and towns in Europe where professional string quartets and quintets play in town squares, and the people sit in cafes, sipping coffee and listening appreciatively. This is soul food.
Lisa Stewart, Myee Clohessy, Stephan Duwe and Anna Martin-Scrase make up the Acacia Quartet but as 4+Viola! They were a quintet, with special guest violist Emile Cantor. My enjoyment of the afternoon was enlivened by Lisa Stewart’s own enjoyment of playing. Her passion and love for the music chased across her face, drawing us in as much as the music itself. It is clear her relationship with music is a deeply personal one.
The Acacia Quartet perform variously around town – chase them up on the internet. Make a date – something a little different and romantic, maybe?
Kate Stratford – On The Town.
