Concert review: Dover Quartet, Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)

A suspenseful opening with muted tremolo gave way to impassioned playing and beautiful phrasing in Turina’s La oración del torero, as presented by the Dover Quartet. Lyrical melodies sensitively coloured by vibrato alternated with turbulent, raucous sections, all played with passion and tremendous character.

Dohnányi’s lesser-known Piano Quintet – no.2 in E flat minor – followed, and the Dover was joined by Leif Ove Andsnes for a reading that gratifyingly brought out the drama and darkness of the key and the composition. The thickly textured development of the first movement was intense with rich layers; another highlight was violist Julianne Lee’s beautiful solo and clear, singing sound. The final Moderato led to a turbulent middle section brilliantly performed with passion, precision and power, while surprising tonalities – played with assurance and conviction – melted into a sublime conclusion.

Brahms’s Piano Quintet followed the interval and could not have been more satisfying. The warmth and generosity of first violinist Joel Link’s opening and the spinning, effervescent sound of Lee’s viola, combined with Leif Ove Andsnes’s sheer artistry, made for an entirely captivating movement. Second violinist Bryan Lee was out with an illness and Abi Fayette stepped in at the last minute, blending in seamlessly. The opening piano solo of the Andante was expansive and mesmerising, the strings creating an ideal fragility in the lilting waltz. The Scherzo was given with superb vivacity and the finale had the ideal mix of vigour, poise and intensity.

LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH