The melodic refrain opening Schubert’s Quartettsatz In C Minor lulled the audience in the nicest possible way until some waspish strings unsettled the tranquillity.

But it lasted only for a few moments as the music evolved delightfully, the quartet’s sensitive dynamics producing a beguiling piece.

Pianist Rachel Fryer and the quartet tackled Hove-born composer Peter Copley’s Partita For Piano Quartet with confidence. Almost jazz-like at times this felt like a clever piece to be appreciated by musicians rather than enjoyed by the “masses”.

Joseph Haydn’s intimate and lively String Quartet In D Major provided a satisfying finale.

In the moderately fast first movement the singing melody floated like a summer breeze behind the gently insistent rhythms of the rest of the quartet. The second movement showed the quartet in a mostly lyrical and flowing guise, though the few dark moments were highlighted well by some superb cello playing by Peter Adams, who was excellent throughout.

Grace and an air of dance filled the third movement, while merriment was well captured in the vivace.

This summer season concert was a fitting tribute to former supporter the late Roland WB Hunt, in whose name the concert was sponsored.

Three stars