Review: Schubert Ensemble *****

At The Venue, Leeds

THE repertoire of the Schubert Ensemble extends beyond its title to embrace, in this concert, the first piano quartets of Faur and Mozart and Chausson's sole essay in the genre.

On paper, the programme looked well balanced, with the ripe romanticism of Chausson and the ardent lyricism of Faur tempered by the cooler discourse and sparer textures of Mozart.

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It worked brilliantly, not least because this refined ensemble conspired to make the Chausson, with its overworked detail, sound rather better than it is.

Individual talent and mutual understanding developed over 27 years goes some way to explaining that.

But there are other virtues: A relaxed assurance, a purity of line and a manifest affection for the pieces to hand. The Faur was ravishing in its effortless singing lines and interplay of detail, particularly in the Mendelssohnian scherzo.

The opening of the first movement was perhaps a little strained but it quickly found its poise and lyrical purpose. After Mozart's muscular quartet, fresh and clearly organised, Chausson's harmonic colour was sensitively explored but never indulged.

The audience wanted more. But there was no more to say. Remarkable.

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