Schubert Ensemble charms Perth on swansong tour

To crown their season in St John’s Kirk, Perth Chamber Music had engaged the internationally-known Schubert Ensemble.

Having given memorable concerts in Perth over a number of seasons, this was to be their final tour after 35 years on the concert platform.

They began with Mozart’s Piano Quartet No.2 in E Flat. In an engaging performance they showed their affection for the work. After the genial opening movement, the Larghetto had an intimate lyrical line. The Finale had the wit and sparkle of a piano concerto.

Simon Blendis, violin, introduced Charlotte Bray’s Zustände (states or conditions) as the Schubert Ensemble’s 49th commission.

In its 11 minutes it evokes ice photographed on the composer’s recent trip to Greenland.

First, brittle, splintering ice depicted almost onomatopoeically.

Next, a lone iceberg, rising from low cello, though viola, with shuddering harmonies. Finally the ice field in varied sounds and energies before sharp angular sounds quieted to the end.

The final piece was Chausson’s strong Piano Quartet in A Major Op.30. The first movement was rhapsodic and tempestuous yet with charm in its various sections.

The Très calme second movement was Romantic song, opened by the rich viola sound of Douglas Peterson. The third movement had the hypnotic sway of a gentle dance before the more dramatic Finale.

Here, to good effect, Chausson recalled themes from previous movements – the cascading opening and the heartfelt viola tune led to a richly splendid ending.

Recalled many times with enthusiastic applause, the Schubert Ensemble affectingly played their own instrumental arrangement of Richard Strauss’ song Morgen.