ROBERT MAITLAND (Baritone)
THE ZIMMER STRING QUARTET:
ALBERT ZIMMER (Violin): FREDERICK GHIGH (Violin); EDOUARD PIEL (Viola);
EMILE DOEHARD (Violoncello)
THE form of the first movement is unusual. It begins with a gently moving Allegretto, built up on a happy tune like a rather swift Barcarolle, from which lively little variations are made, and then the movement passes to a brisk Allegro whose tune is the same as the beginning of the first part.
The slow movement, although called ' 'Sad'
(Mesto) has really nothing deeply melancholy about it, and the fine big tune with which the first violin opens the movement is quite a serene and contented one. There is a little hint of sadness when the same tune appears later on the lower strings, but on the whole the movement is like Haydn's inimitable good spirits.
The Minuet and Trio are both brisk and light. footed, and the last movement is really frolicsome and gay. Anyone who can listen to its almost mischievous good spirits without a thought of laughter is indeed in a sorry frame of mind.