The JOHN BRIDGE STRING QUARTET : JOHN
BRIDGE (1st Violin). T. B. SIDEBOTTOM (2nd Violin). NORMAN CUNLIFFE (Viola), HAYDN ROGERSON ('Cello)
IX his early years, Beethoven almost idolized
Mozart. It is not surprising, then, that his early work reminds us of his great forerunner now and then. But even in early Beethoven there is always a powerful original individuality at work. moulding the old forms afresh, and filling them with new ideas and unexpected treatment.
The fifth Quartet, one of a set of six grouped together as Op. 18. has the usual four Movements. the First fresh and dainty, Mczartean, yet showing the maturing mind of a new thinker; the Second a fairy-like Minuet; the Third an Air with five clear Variations, and the last a resourceful piece on two main times -the one that opens the Movement (note hour much Beethoven makes of the four-note motry with which it begins), and the other a tune starting softly on all the instruments, with whole-bar notes, and then quickening up.