Brighton Philharmonic Society's Sunday concert in the Unitarian Church followed the usual format of a modern work by a local composer and an established classic; but on this occasion there was a third piece as well.
Judging by his website Barry Mills is a prolific composer. His String Quartet was of fairly recent vintage and he was on hand to give some helpful pointers before the performance, speaking of its evocation of the sea and the inspiration of Arvo Part. The music was pleasant and approachable and in the slow movement, with its hints of Copland, something more than that.
The quartet were joined by Jonathan Price as the bassoonist in Gordon Jacob's succinct Suite which explored the wide expressive possibilities of this instrument.
The established classic was Haydn's String Quartet Op 74 No 3 - nick-named The Rider because of the driving quality of the last movement.
It also happens to have one of Haydn's most sublime slow movements. These features were well interpreted by the performers who were enthusiastically acclaimed at its conclusion by the near-capacity audience, a fitting end to what has been an enterprising and thoughtful venture.
Four stars
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