The Cambridge Quartet

The Cambridge Quartet made the crucial jump from the status of four good musicians playing together to a finely coordinated unit in its second concert. Sunday's recital clearly showed the group's improvement. The entire program was well-polished and particularly impressive was its playing of Haydn's Quartet Op. 20 No. 5 which had the restraint and stylization necessary for "the father of the Quartet."

Two modern composers were featured on the program. John Austin '56 contributed Two Airs that showed his skill in keeping counterpoint under harmonic control. The Airs were short and rather lightweight but they had a lovely lyrical modal style. The other, the String Quartet Op. 50 by Prokofieff, is a somewhat inconsistant piece. There were moments of inspired writing, particularly when the 'cello had the melody up high against bitter chords in the upper strings. The slow last movement, however, seemed out of place and style of the other movements. The work received a fine passionate reading from the Quartet, with 'cellist Charles Forbes and violist Frederick Shoup playing with considerable distinction.

One of Brahms's last compositions, the Clarinet Quintet Op. 115, closed the program. This is one of the most melodic and well-constructed pieces of romantic chamber music. The assisting clarinetist, James Wood, was superb. His tone was sweet though not syrupy throughout the clarinet's large range from pianissimo to fortissimo, and he blended well with violinists Edward Filmanowitz and Ronald Hathaway. All the string players helped bring out the rich Brahms texture. It is unusual to have such a fine student quartet in the University.