Ms. Libby Price periodically writes reviews of concerts sponsored by Chamber Music in Oklahoma, as well as by the Oklahoma City Civic Music Association. They appear in "The Price Report," a publication sponsored by the Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma City. Reactions to Ms. Price's reviews may be sent to us via e-mail or to her directly at the Full Circle. Below is her review of the Pacifica Quartet, which performed for Chamber Music in Oklahoma in September of 2000.


Brandon Vamos, cello Simin Ganatra, violin
Sibbi Bermhardson, violin Kathryn Lockwood, viola
The Pacifica Quartet performed the first concert in the 2000-2001 Chamber Music Series for central Oklahoma classical music lovers at Christ the King Catholic Church in Nichols Hills on September 10. In spite of the 100-degree temperature outside, approximately 200 chamber music aficionados sat in rapt attention as the quartet filled the church with a refreshing rendition of Beethoven and Schumann, as well as the quirky, challenging tango of Astor Piazzolla.

The Pacifica Quartet, four young, attractive musicians from Chicago, were not only up to their task, they clearly enjoyed it, and their energy and infectious enthusiasm transferred rapidly to an appreciative audience.

The first work, Beethoven's early String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 6 in B-flat major, was rendered enthusiastically and at a challenging pace by the talented musicians. Whether it was relief at escaping the brutal temperature outside ... or simply that the Pacifica's notes were so rich and pure in the vault of the lovely church ... rarely has this reviewer enjoyed Beethoven more.

The second selection, reflecting the Pacifica's dedication to "new" music, was Astor Piazzolla's "Tango for Four." Written for the Kronos Quartet, the short work's episodes combined some of the composer's most innovative musical elements, augmented by the fruits of his study with Nadia Boulanger. Violinist Simin Ganatra prepared the audience for what would come with a few incisive comments about Piazzolla and his unusual musical techniques. Jagged lines, considerable plucking of strings, and tapping on the wood of the instruments characterized the vigorous performance by the four musicians. Notable were the rapid pace and precise ensemble timing achieved by the four. The usually staid Oklahoma audience responded with standing applause.

Following an interval, the Pacifica played Schumann's Quartet in A minor, Op. 41, No. 1. The rapidly paced work suggested the influence of Bach with highly contrapuntal sections in the introduction, which was added after the work was originally completed. A brilliantly played Coda followed the Adagio and Presto. In response to prolonged applause, the Pacifica encored with the Adagio from the originally scheduled Mendelssohn Quartet in A major, Op. 13.

Thus ended a completely satisfying afternoon, for both the traditional audience of the Oklahoma City Chamber Music Society, as well as the numerous students from the University of Oklahoma School of Music. Pacifica's brilliant performance was a splendid introduction to what promises to be a stellar season!

- Libby Price