Classical review: Vanbrugh Quartet & Friends

Venue: University College, Cork

The Vanbrugh Quartet & Friends performed at the Aula Maxima, University College, Cork, in support of the Vanbrugh Quartet Scholarship Fund.

The fund is associated with the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and affords emerging young artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of chamber music.

With introductions by Evelyn Grant and programme notes by Francis Humphrys, we were guided through this most enjoyable evening of chamber music at its finest.

Legacy was the theme: the legacy of University College Cork, the vigorous activism of Aloys Fleischmann and his establishment of the Vanbrugh Quartet, and the legacy of the Vanbrugh Quartet Scholarship Fund and its continuing role in the realisation of young artists’ potential. The first half performance of Johannes Brahms String Sextet No. 1 in B flat Op.18 saw Aoife Nic Athlaoich (cello) and Cian Ó Dúill (viola), past beneficiaries of the fund, join the Vanbrugh on stage.

Sitting in the warm light of the Aula Maxima and soothed by the honeyed tone of the Vanbrugh plus two, the Brahmsian ebb and flow had a dizzying, almost hypnotic effect. First cello featured strongly as the melodic force for this work and the presence of the second cello in firm and gracious support stirred imaginings of centuries of powerful discourse. The Trio: Animato was simply splendid.

Following refreshments the Vanbrugh returned with Finghin Collins (piano) for Antonín Dvorák’s Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major Op. 81. The viola and piano duet of the opening reinforced my sheer gratitude for music. Again cello featured prominently throughout and the play between cello and piano was magnificent. At times I sensed the piano’s desire for a broader push and pull, still this was in keeping with the legacy and continuance of strong conversations between great minds. The recital marked the end of the current Cork Orchestral Society season.