Malvern Concert Club's final concert of the 100th season was celebrated by Nash Ensemble musicians Stephanie Gonley and Malin Broman (violins), Lawrence Power (viola), Paul Watkins (cello) and Ian Brown (piano).

An easily flowing interpretation of Bridge's Phantasy Piano Quar-tet, a lyrical single-movement composition, began in beautiful unison. Melody pervaded Andante con moto, first from the glorious cello, then the velvet toned viola and high, sweet violin, while the pianist executed harp-like glissandos and chromatics.

In Schumann's romantic Piano Quintet in E flat, Op.44, Ian Brown drew the most ravishing sounds from the piano as he led his co-performers through the first movement in imitative phrases and rubatos placed with consideration. In In Modo d'una Marcia (Un poco largamente), a sombre movement, the musicians concurred in its detached sections, and harmonics echoed at its sinister end. The dramatic climax with inherent rests and concluding acceleration was achieved with some style.

Piano Quintet in A minor, Op.84 by Elgar was the empathetic ultimate work. The sublime Adagio was ushered in with tranquil loveliness of tone by the violist, radiantly pursued by the cellist. Superb virtuoso pianism strengthened, until the entire quintet was joined in passion.

The last movement continued its' soul searching quest, begun in the first, aspiring to the pinnacle of Elgar's Quintet. But it was never quite reached in this performance, which, unusually for the Nash Ensemble, had shown some rough moments and unease of balance and ensemble.

Looking ahead, the Centenary Season for MCC has a most attractive line-up of world class musicians performing, and starts on September 25 with Jane Manning.

Jill Hopkins