Two chamber music cornerstones frame Britten’s innovative first quartet. Britten’s manipulation of texture and color stand out in his quartet, as do passages hinting at the sound world of his opera Peter Grimes. Mozart’s quartet opens with unorthodox harmonies that inspired its nickname, but its magnificent architecture and melodic splendor make it a masterpiece. The third “Razumovsky” quartet, commissioned by the Russian ambassador to Austria, mesmerizes with its mysterious opening and uplifts its concluding heroic double fugue.

Violinist Sara Wolstenholme is on maternity leave and must regretfully withdraw from this performance. Natalie Klouda will perform in her place.