Borodin Quartet: Russian Legacy
Wellington Town Hall
6 March

The Borodin String quartet performed as part of the International Festival of the Arts and the Chamber Music NZ 2010 programme to a packed Town Hall. The programme was exclusively Russian and featured: Borodin – String Quartet N0 2 in D; Shostakovich – String Quartet No 8 in C minor opus 110; and Tchaikovsky – String Quartet No 1 in D Opus 11.

What a treat was enjoyed by the audience. This string quartet, described over its 65 year history by endless superlatives, and as having a particular affinity with Russian music, certainly lived up to its reputation. Its playing was quite remarkable with its perfect blend of sound, flexible but immaculately-shaped phrasing, and a unity that is rarely heard.

The three quartets provided a good balance and included two very well-known sections in the Andantes of the Borodin and Tchaikovsky. A range of emotions was produced with a deft touch, the romantic elements played with sonorous and beautiful tone but never overdone. There was good melodic and rhythmic contrast brought out in the Borodin and Tchaikovsky, and added stark and striking contrasts in the Shostakovich, reflecting the devastation of war and his own experiences in the Siege of Leningrad (now St Petersburg).

The enthusiastic and persistent applause persuaded the quartet to play a delightful encore.

The Borodin Quartet is now touring NZ, playing concerts in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. Details at www.chambermusic.co.nz

Press releases: Classical Music Premieres at the NZIAF Chamber Music Weekend, Borodin Quartet Headlines Chamber Music Season
Arts Festival website: Borodin Quartet: Russian Legacy
Scoop Full Coverage: Arts Festival 2010

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