Review: Ensemble 360

The week’s events began with Glazunov– not too obscure then. But his Quintet in A is not well-known, unjustifiably so, according to Benjamin Nabarro the first violinist. And to judge from this performance he is right. Admittedly one fascination was Ensemble 360’s always adaptable double bass player Laurène Durantel playing the second cello part. Also, how well would guest viola-player Fiona Bonds fit in? No problem, as was clear from the opening unaccompanied viola solo. Given the usual high standard of performance and interpretation, the music was indeed captivating, the Scherzo was as light as a sorbet after a steak, and the sombre slow movement gave way to a grippingly rhythmic finale.

An idyll for horn player Naomi Atherton with string quartet, and a horn reverie with Tim Horton on the piano were also by Glazunov, and highlighted the hauntingly tender side of the horn. A concerto for piano accompanied by violin and cello? Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A minor has been described so, but the three were well balanced. If the first movement felt over-long, the variety in the theme and variations held the attention and the grandeur of the finale was inescapable.