Live at Lunch: Mozart Quartets @ The Concourse Chatswood

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The latest Live at Lunch concert at the Concourse at Chatswood, as curated by Jane Rutter, was ravishing. The concert  featured three short sublime quartets by Mozart.

Rutter introduced all three pieces. For this concert she wore a black gown with a black and gold detailed stole, whilst her guests, the Acacia Quartet, wore severe orchestral black.

The first work performed was Mozart’s String Quartet in C Major, sometimes known as Dissonance,because of its unusually slow introduction. It is the best known of his quartets, and is the last in time of the set of six quartets composed between 1782 and 1782 that he dedicated to Haydn.

This piece was played by Rutter and a trio from Acacia. It began very briskly with the flute skipping along and the strings attempting to catch up and ‘talk’.

The second movement was slower and more stately, lyrical and soaring, the melody stated and then variations developed from it.

The final movement featured a poignant flute solo, elegantly played.

The second work was Mozart’s String Quartet in D Minor K421, played by the wonderful Acacia Quartet. This Quartet has  just been announced as Artists In Residence at Fine Music FM, the sponsors of Live At Lunch.

This piece had a powerful, melancholic opening that featured lyrical, passionate and precise playing from the Quartet.

The second movement was a darker piece and inspired more fragile, delicate and intense playing.

The third movement, in minuet sonata form, was faster and more insistent. One violin ‘sang’ whilst the other strings acted as supporting chorus. A hint of the Romanticism to come?

The final movement was brisker and lighter in atmosphere yet still full of intensity. The melody was stated and interwoven into a discussion between the various members of the quartet.

The last work was Mozart’s Flute Concerto in D Major, with Rutter dazzling in her virtuosity. Compact but intense, the first movement was brisk.

The second movement called for dynamic pizzicato by the strings, whilst the flute was fragile, luscious and exotic in its solo, then the music became more corporeal and lyrical leading to an enchanting finish.

There was a queue at the end of the concert for the assorted CDs on sale of both artists.

Running time: 1 hour and 10 minutes without interval.

Live At Lunch: Mozart Quartets was presented at the Concourse on Thursday 22nd October.

Tickets are now on sale  for the final Live at Lunch Concert for the year, set down for the 25th November and featuring the Grigorian Brothers. This year’s Live at Lunch concerts have been well attended, so it’s best to book early- http://www.the concourse.com.au.