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.

Tout récemment nommé « Chef émérite » du National, Riccardo Muti continue de tisser une relation privilégiée avec la formation et démontre une nouvelle fois un art consommé de la direction d'orchestre.

À la tête des formations de Radio France (orchestre philharmonique, chœur et maîtrise), la cheffe lituanienne ne livre pas une interprétation très inspirée du chef-d'œuvre de Britten.