A perfect morning concert: the Sacconi Quartet performs French style, Russian Romance in the idyllic surroundings of Orford Church.

Rachmaninoff is not especially known for his chamber music, but this Romance – composed when he was only 17 – makes us wish he had written much more. Full of lyrical sweetness for the most part, it also looks ahead to the kind of melancholy glamour Rachmaninoff would make his own in years to come.

Ravel’s String Quartet in F is also young man’s music, dating from when the composer was 27. It was dedicated to Fauré and channels Debussy’s String Quartet (written a few years earlier), yet its combination of elegance, sensuality and bursts of fire are absolutely Ravel’s. One of the classiest quartets in the repertoire.

The Sacconi Quartet have been described by the Telegraph as “a quartet of genuine substance”, and are frequently applauded for their beautifully blended sound. They have long been a champion of new music, and include in this programme a brand new work by Freya Waley-Cohen.

Sacconi Quartet:
Ben Hancox violin
Hannah Dawson violin
Robin Ashwell viola
Cara Berridge cello