Maggini Quartet, Kendal Town Hall

THE final concert of Kendal Midday Concert Club’s season was marked by performances of two contrasting works by the renowned Maggini Quartet. The lives, times and musical styles of Haydn and Benjamin Britten could hardly be more dissimilar. On this particular occasion the performance levels heard in Haydn’s Op 55 No1 fell somewhat short of those found in Britten’s Quartet No 3, Op 94.

Unexpectedly (and disappointing so) earlier passages in the Haydn suffered from quite frequent insecurities of intonation, articulation and balance. As the performance progressed, however, it grew in stature; there was poise, beauty of line, character and shape in each part and a delightful energy in the finale.

Britten was dying when he completed his Op 94. This fact, together with the realisation that, despite the problems created by his lifestyle, his health and difficulties encountered in many spheres, he was able to compose this masterpiece, enabled this listener, at least, to appreciate the the Maggini’s performance. It captured the poignancy and contrasting emotions with wonderful vibrancy. The players dealt with Britten’s extension of the boundaries of string techniques with awesome mastery.

Brian Paynes