Jerusalem Quartet & Alexander Melnikov (piano)
I’m so glad I heard this brilliant young quartet and their Russian companion, and glad that disruptions made me concentrate much more than usual. Their musicianship and enthusiasm in Schumann’s two great chamber works in E flat major: the Piano Quartet Op.47 and the Piano Quintet Op.44, was pure delight. The playing was exquisite as they passed, at times almost bounced, Schumann’s fugal phrases from one instrument to another. This liaison between the ensemble was intimate and joyous. Melnikov turned his eyes, as expressive as a young Peter Lorre’s, towards the strings almost as much as to his piano score.
They well deserved their extended applause and treated us to an encore of the quartet’s Scherzo, this time without interruption.
Coda:
Angry and violent protestors disrupted this concert many times (with pro-Palestinian slogans). This is ironic as the Jerusalem Quartet is closely involved with Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which aims to promote understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. Also, Kyril Zlotnikov plays Jacqueline du Pré’s 1970 Peresson ’cello, on loan from Barenboim.
Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 8 May 2012
Rating:
Andrew Connal
Many thanks to our reviewer Andrew Connal for his first class report on the Jerusalem Quartet with Alexander Melnikov. To separate the art from the action as he has, gives full credence to the musicians and highlights the inappropriate behaviour of the protesters, who, had they Mr Connal’s insight, might have realised that these young artists are not an appropriate target, however justified they are in their cause.
Andrew Kay, Creative Director Latest Media