Quartet No 10 in E flat, Op 74 - Beethoven

Quartet No 3 in A, Op 41 - Schumann

Octet for Strings in E flat, Op 20 - Mendelssohn

For the performance of Mendelssohn's Octet on Sunday in the NCH the Vanbrugh String Quartet were joined by five youthful players, Cliodhna Ryan and Sarah Sexton (violins), Samantha Miller (viola) and Sarah McMahon (cello). There is no doubt that eight instruments give a much more satisfactory sound than four when it is a case of filling the great space of the NCH. Add to that the access of nervous energy that the Vanbrugh gains in the presence of other players and there is a strong likelihood of a commanding performance.

The concert opened with Beethoven's "Harp" Quartet, played with the customary polish of this group. Elizabeth Charleson was not at second violin as she is temporarily indisposed; her place was taken by Keith Pascoe, a former member of the Britten Quartet. The "Harp" is perhaps the most Brahmsian of Beethoven's Quartets; this aspect of it seemed to be favoured by the Vanbrugh.

A much fresher impression was created by Schumann's Quartet No 3. After the Beethoven it was excitingly wayward and the players obviously relished the many changes of mood and harmony. Had it not been for the Mendelssohn the Schumann might well have been the crown of the concert.