Mark O'Connor String Quartet

Mark O'Connor, violin
Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin
Gillian Gallagher, viola
Patrice Jackson, cello

O'Connor, String Quartet No 2 "Bluegrass" (2005)
--, String Quartet No 3 "Old-Time" (2008)

After three duets based on Americana music, the first half concluded with the String Quartet No 2. The introductory duets filled our ears with the rhythms and sonorities of native music and prepared is for the more complex combinations of the longer work. Though filled with some gorgeous moments, it did not make its structure readily apparent in the first listening. Despite the virtuosic performances, I was less than awed.

The second half of the program began with a 7-minute free improvisation by O'Connor that provided more clues about the quartet from the first half. Quartet #3, however, seemed to leave the improvisory mode behind with four highly structured movements that allowed the cello to provide the necessary bones. The second movement was my favorite. It was highly reminiscent of "Moondog," a sumptuous piece on the Kronos Quartet's Ancient Music album.

Encore: Appalachian Waltz, very lovely

Recommend with caveats.