The final concert of MCC's season was given by two world-class quartets, the Chilingirian and Endellion, in combination.

Beginning with Richard Strauss's Sextet from Capriccio, rising figures from the cellist were superbly realised, and a reiterated motif from the violinist at a high-pitch was taken up by sonorous low-pitched instrumentation.

Sextet in G major, Op.36 by Brahms showed adroit overlapping by violas in melody during the first movement, and a brief foray into national dance rhythms in the second. But it was in the third, Poco Adagio that the musicians reached their expected formidable form. Here fragmentary pieces of the theme were passed around the high strings, ultimately reaching completion by the end of the movement.

The fourth, Poco Allegro exuded sublime melody, especially from the first viola, while meticulous details of plucking and expression were accomplished.

The best was saved till last, as befitted the conclusion of the two years of centenary celebrations, with a splendid rendering of Mendelssohn's magnificent Octet in E flat major, Op.20.

Beginning the Allegro moderato ma con fuoco, violins soared in ecstatic song. In the third, Scherzo (Allegro leggierissimo), a quiet movement, instrumentalists surmounted one another in extracts of elegant, rapid scales, and exciting polyphony abounded through the last Presto, communication and understanding amongst the performers of paramount importance, as they achieved a stimulating finish.

This was the last concert before Catherine Freeman retires as MCC's secretary, concluding 12 years valuable service. Chairman Peter Evans paid compliments to her, although a more fitting farewell will be made at the society's AGM.

Jill Hopkins.