Marlboro: Young Stars, Mature Music

Friday, February 22, 2002; Page C04

Two unique and beloved masterpieces, Debussy's Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10, and Schubert's Octet in F, were given outstanding performances Wednesday evening at the Freer Gallery's Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Auditorium.

It was the second concert in this year's Musicians From Marlboro series and was dedicated to the memory of Katharine Graham, a major benefactor of both the museum and the Marlboro Music School and Festival in Vermont. Among those attending were family of the late Washington Post chairman and friends, including Alan Greenspan and Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Musicians From Marlboro, a spinoff now in its 37th year, is notable for the young "stars of tomorrow" it sends out to play chamber music across the country. Major figures on the American music scene -- including Yo-Yo Ma, Jaime Laredo, Murray Perahia, Paula Robison and Harold Wright -- had their careers launched in this series.

Wednesday's program had the usual Marlboro quality. Debussy's color nuances, contrasting moods and rhythmic subtleties were handled with precision and deep involvement by three young players and one veteran who is a pillar of American chamber music -- cellist David Soyer, best known as a founding member of the Guarneri Quartet.

Soyer also performed with obvious enjoyment in the Schubert, a marvelous display of musical imagination whose playful spirit was conveyed in a sparkling performance. All the players were excellent, and they performed as an ensemble. Still, the music gives special moments in the spotlight to some players. Among those who rose splendidly to these moments were violinist Joseph Lin, clarinetist Anthony McGill, hornist Patrick Pridemore and bassist Kurt Muroki.

-- Joseph McLellan

© 2002 The Washington Post Company