University of Virginia Library

MUSIC

Juilliard Strings Polished

By Roy Bonavita
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

The first of the University's two
music series opened in Cabell Auditorium
when Juilliard String Quartet
performed works by Spohr,
Webern and Schubert for the Tuesday
Evening Concert Series'
1970-71 season.

The Juilliard was here several
years ago and gave a much less
polished performance than they did
this Tuesday. While some chamber
music enthusiasts feel Spohr's work
(in this case the Quartet in A
minor, Opus 74, No. 1) is hollow
by current standards, the Quartet is
interesting in the extraordinarily
pleasant developments of theme as
well as the graceful connection between
the movements with which
Spohr had special talent, along with
special coherence. Mr. Claus Adam,
cellist, gave a very fine reading in
this work.

Webern Highlight

Two pieces of Anton Webern,
Langsamer Satz (1905) and String
Quartet, Opus 28 (1938), proved a
highlight of the program not only
in a comparison-contrast way of
sharply illustrating the growth of
Webern's work over a twenty-three
year period placing him squarely
among major modern composers,
but also in the intense regard the
Juilliard obviously brought to bear
in these works. The audience was
most appreciative of this effort.
One can not find Webern's work
unengaging, although sometimes
better heard than seen.

Schubert's Quartet in D minor,
D. 810, entitled "Death and the
Maiden," was composed during a
fruitful period of Schubert's life;
and certainly ranks along with his
most famous "Trout" Quintet, as a
masterpiece of chamber music. All
of Schubert's exuberance, magic
and charm were captured by the
Juilliard in this performance. The
Juilliard Quartet has a very fine
sense of dynamics in chamber music.

Reminder To Readers

Readers are reminded that there
are a few season subscriptions left
for the TECS, which will present
the Aeolian Chamber Players in
Cabell on 27 October.

The Artists' Series opens what
promises to be a fine season when
they present the French National
Orchestra under the baton of Jean
Martinon in University Hall on Friday,
23 October.

There is no greater mental or
monetary bargain at the University
than these two series. Please support
them both.

The Juilliard String Quartet