Tonal, well crafted and lasting the test of time, this fifth string quartet was written in London and premiered by the New London Quartet at the Cheltenham Town Hall on the 26th April 1962. It received its first London performance in May 1983 at the Purcell Room. For professionals and advanced students.
Review: “Sadly, I only know two of Arnell’s six string quartets, the last four of which have all been premiered at the Cheltenham Festival, as was the String Quintet which made its appearance in 1950. The Quartet No. 5 Opus 99 dates from 1962 and has been very well received at all its performances. As with the Symphony No. 6 there are some harsh dissonances and it has a novelty of form. The opening Andante Maestoso is a canon on four subjects; there is a very attractive Andante, an accompanied ‘cello solo, a duo for violin and viola, a trio and then all four players unite to conclude the work.” – Dr. David C.F. Wright Ph.D September 1994


