THIS was the first of four largely different recitals given by the Sacconi Quartet in the region.

Their last appearance for Darlington Music Society was ten years ago since when they have established a significant reputation no doubt helped by their unchanged membership since their formation in 2001.

Their programme here was a carefully considered choice of late works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

From the very first notes of Haydn’s String Quartet Op.76, No.1 the Sacconi’s instruments were beautifully blended in a superb ensemble sound and the following Adagio was sublime with the weight of every bow stroke carefully considered.

In fact this was the perfect demonstration of the value of seeing such music in live performance where you can watch how the musicians give and take, the way they carefully follow each other and see how particular sounds and blends are obtained.

Mozart’s String Quartet, No. 20, K499, began by showing what variety he could get from a simple melody with the four players either together or peeling away singly or in pairs while the others provided a supportive background.

Again it was the slow movement that really touched the emotions, the Sacconi’s poise and balance almost breathtaking.

In Beethoven’s String Quartet, Op. 131 there was an earnestness and a feeling of importance from the beginning which seemed infectious, drawing you in to really concentrate on the music.

The society’s next recital is by violinist Savriti Grier and pianist Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula on Saturday, November 12, at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College; tickets from 01325 467163.

Peter Bevan