Emerson Quartet Brings Life to 'Death'

Those who know the Emerson String Quartet primarily from its white-hot recordings of Bartok and Shostakovich might think these musicians to be too high-octane a mix to fuel an afternoon of Schubert. But their all-Schubert recital on Saturday at Baird Auditorium found them in relaxed and genial form, relishing the composer's gentler writing even more than his angst-filled and despairing moments.

That's not to say that their reading of the ever-popular "Death and the Maiden" Quartet was anything less than thrilling. One of Schubert's most intense and personal utterances, the piece suited the Emerson's willingness to dig deep into scores that plumb the darker recesses of the heart. Dramatic passages received trenchant attacks, lean and driven playing and a cathartic power befitting the music. But elsewhere in this work, the musicians -- led by the soulful phrasing of first violinist Eugene Drucker -- ferreted out moments of repose and nurtured the more affectionate melodies with a singing quality in their playing.

Earlier in the program, Schubert's more lyrically expansive Quartet in A Minor, Op. 29, No. 1, and his much-loved Quartettsatz in C Minor drew an even warmer response from the ensemble. Here, second violinist Philip Setzer traded places with Drucker to lead the quartet -- his airier, slightly sweeter tone setting an intimate mood that was sustained throughout the piece. Countless moments that could have been more emphatically played were tenderly understated, with David Finckel's cello lines given a light touch, and with beautifully calibrated blending of instrumental voices providing an eloquent response to Schubert's lyrical gifts.

-- Joe Banno