Trio in F - Herzogenberg
Divertimento in E flat, KV563 - Mozart
The String Trio (1879) of Heinrick von Herzogen berg is Brahmsian in its tunefulness and its rich textures, which is not surprising, as the composer was a close friend of Brahms. The melodies have the accessibility of folk tunes and are presented with great charm and variety of invention. The three members of Belcanto Strings gave a well-considered performance, all owing the work its full lyrical expressiveness.
Mozart's Divertimento in E flat is not quite the light-hearted affair its title might suggest. Despite its comparatively sparse textures and its elaborately ornamented lines, it ranges through a gamut of emotions from childish gaiety to sharp poignancy. The musical style of Mozart's era was relished by the performers, who missed more of the deeper feelings underlying the, at times, quite showy surface.
One is grateful for the opportunity of hearing this Divertimento, but also Herzog enberg's Trio, which deserves to be heard more often.