An exciting programme of Hungarian music was presented at Marama Hall on Tuesday by the New Zealand String Quartet - Helene Pohl and Douglas Beilman (violins), Gillian Ansell (viola) and Rolf Gjelsten (cello), and international Hungarian piano virtuoso Peter Nagy.
The energy, colourful interpretation and string unity was absolutely outstanding, and the venue acoustically ideal.
Piano Quintet No. 2 in E flat minor, Op. 26 (1914), by Dohnanyi, a composer recognised historically as one of Hungary's greatest pianists, opened with luscious harmonies, to traverse big sweeping passages tastefully enhanced with constantly shifting dynamics.
It is a work of great romantic beauty, and lovingly interpreted, as strong themes passed between instruments.
String Quartet No 1 (Metamorphoses nocturnes) is by contemporary Hungarian composer George Ligeti (1923-2006). Opening in a rather spooky mood, the music quickly developed into a unique and exhilarating work.
The quartet revelled in the wildly chromatic dissonance and kaleidoscopic character, delving into the special effects bag with riveting virtuosity to execute the purest of harmonics and a miscellany of deftly fabricated glissandos.
Brahms's Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor Op. 25 is a long, intense work, crammed with colour and contrast.
The final Presto saw the musicians totally capture the spirit and fervour of the Gypsy themes, inviting the listener to inhale the passion of the dance.
A bonus came with Nagy's celebration of Liszt's 200th birthday, with a Hungarian Rhapsody. A performance par excellence, delivering the intense and turbulent passages with spellbinding clarity and heartfelt interpretation.
The recital was repeated last night in Cromwell.
