(l-r): Rebecca Anderson (violin), Eric Han (cello), Michelle Cann (piano), Ayane Kozasa (viola)
What wonderful artistry from Curtis students Michelle Cann (piano), Rebecca Anderson (violin), Ayane Kozasa (viola), and Eric Han (cello). They have been coaching the Brahms C-minor Piano Quartet with me, and last night performed it splendidly at Field Hall. Becky is possessed of the sort of unimpeachable integrity that is the oxygen of music, and certainly of Brahms; Ayane, a fabulous violist, is gifted with a deep sound that is yet rich in variety and texture; Eric, a keenly attuned chamber musician, played the famous solo at the beginning of the Andante with a grace and simplicity that belied his years; and Michelle tied it all together with sure-handed execution and superb balance, knowing how to play big without overwhelming the strings. Most impressive of all was the dramatic strength and unity of their performance, especially in the magisterial opening Allegro and in their unhurried unfolding of the eerie, unsettling finale. Bravi.