Perfection is constantly in Mind

Star performers and a smart program offer an insightful look at a neglected composer.

The Wihan Quartet reinforce their reputation as top interpreters of Dvořák at the Bradfield Festival.

The Wihan Quartet was formed in 1985 in Czechoslovakia. Since then they have developed an impressive international career, often visiting the UK and being broadcast on its airwaves. Among their achievements is a published recording of Dvořák’s String Quartet no. 11, and it was this recording, not their continued and celebrated presence in the UK, that first brought them to my attention.

For the first of their pair of 25th Anniversary concerts at the Wigmore Hall, the Wihan Quartet chose a programme of three quartets from their native Czech, from Martinů, Dvořák and Smetana. You might have expected four musicians from Czech to have an affinity for this work, and you would not have been disappointed.

Philippe Herreweghe ofreció una versión de la Pasión según san Mateo al frente del coro y la orquesta Collegium Vocale Gent de notable factura, emocionante y extremadamente expresiva.

Anna Vinnitskaya ofreció recital tremendo en el que nos llevó de la minuciosidad de Ravel a la intimidad de Brahms, pasando por el dramatismo de Scriabin y la complejidad de Rajmáninov con virtuosismo y emoción.