Everard Quartet Concert


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A stunning performance of Haydn’s ‘Fifths’ Quartet in D minor (Op.76/2) on the 19th September was met with enthusiastic applause and praise in the RVW. The Everard Quartet is led by John Parsons as first violinist with Helen Birchall (second violin), Russell Millard (viola) and Richard Birchall (Cello). The work takes its name from the opening theme of the first movement in D minor, with its descending intervals of a fifth. The piece then moves swiftly into a warm D-major, accompanied by pizzicato strumming of the cello. The last movement opens in the minor with the spirit of a Hungarian folk dance and concludes joyously in the major. The performance was described as “lively and emotional” by an audience who particularly enjoyed the rich sound produced by the cello. The concert brought a perfect end to the day and can be considered as one of the highlights this term.