Elias String Quartet

The Elias String Quartet served up a thrilling programme spanning three centuries, and Sarah Bitlloch’s plaintive, melodious tone in Haydn’s ‘String Quartet in C No. 2’ was beautiful. Their rich, perfectly synchronised playing brought the piece to life, illuminating its vigour and mood changes.

Benjamin Britten’s ‘String Quartet No.1 in D major’ was staggeringly emotive, with Marie Bitlloch’s pizzicato cello providing a fun undercurrent and the high-pitched violin and viola playing was taut and delicately balanced. The heart of the morning went to Mendelssohn’s ‘String Quartet No.2 in A minor’ however, dazzlingly played with a masterful technique in performing the piece’s jolts from brisk to divinely moving. The stately Adagio non lento was mesmerising and the finale rambunctious. A masterful showcase for the potency of a live string quartet.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome

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