The quartet is well known for its performances of traditional quartet repertoire. They have recently performed some rather more rarely heard pieces including Arensky’s Quartet “A la memoire de P. Tchaikovsky” a very fine late romantic work and the 2nd Quartet of another Northampton composer Trevor Hold which includes a wonderful tribute to Rodgers and Hart. Continuing their exploration of British composers the quartet recently performed, at the Notre Dame University, (Piccadilly, London) works by Purcell, Elgar, Friskin and Britten. In the same vein Richard Holbrooke’s Clarinet Quintet was featured in the Quartet’s recent concert in Bridport which in turn led them to add the York Bowen Bass Clarinet Quintet to their repertoire.
Mozart String Quintets, Hummel’s extraordinary piano quintet version of his septet, Friskin’s two piano quintets and piano trio all contribute to what we hope is an enticing mix of repertoire. Many of you will know the Quartet’s popular narrated programmes of poetry and music exploring garden and Italian themes which was thankfully recorded with the wonderful late Jill Balcon.