One of the most beautiful and moving forms of music is the string quartet, and the Brentano String Quartet, brought to us by the Virginia Arts Festival, definitely exceeded my expectations!  Even the name of their group is so poignant:  The Brentano String Quartet was named after Antonie Brentano, whom scholars believe was Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved” – and they play with all of the passion of a secret love!

The first selection was Haydn’s String Quartet in G Major, Op.64 No. 4.  It was elegantly performed with grace and technical precision.  Brentano understands the classical form quite well: mostly the balance is melody and accompaniment.  In plain English, one instrument has the melody (usually the first violin but not always) and everyone else has a very light accompaniment.  In this particular work, Haydn moves the Minuet to the second movement and makes the third movement a sweet adagio.  I was caught off guard by the swell of emotion I experienced when the violist and cellist were trading a melodic line back and forth in an easy and wonderful conversation.  The last movement of the Haydn made people feel delighted and overjoyed.  Brentano performed this work very beautifully.

Often, many groups do well with one genre but not with another.  This is not the case for Brentano.  I found Bartok’s Second String Quartet to be even more impressive than the Haydn.  I arrived early before the performance and heard the Feldman Chamber Music Society’s pre-concert lecture given by Dwight Davis, and he said something that just seemed to really ring true with the Bartok: the string quartet is the form that composers choose when they want to express deep thoughts and emotions.  Upon listening to the Bartok, one felt very connected with the composer’s personality and experiences. 

I was very touched by Brentano’s exemplary performance.

The Brahms String Quartet in C minor, Op. 51, No.1 was magnificent.  Brentano filled the hall with a great sound, creating the rich and full texture required of Brahms’ music.  I sat in awe of the wondrous beauty of every musical line; each member of the quartet knew how to bring out the melody while still maintaining an “ensemble” sound worthy of the composer.  Brahms had very high standards; in fact he threw out many of his other quartets.  I am sure he would have approved of Brentano’s fantastic performance.

As for all of the particulars of the event, parking, sound, venue, etc., everything went very smoothly.  Ohef Sholom Temple was easy to find and there was plenty of parking.  The concert was quite an enjoyable one, and I hope Brentano returns soon.