The Chamber Music Society of Bethlehem presented it’s fourth concert, featuring the Utrecht String Quartet from the Netherlands. While an enjoyable concert overall, I felt the group lacked the emotional energy of earlier concerts by other groups this season. I was wondering if it was the musicians having an off day or the program.

The first have consisted of two lesser-know sting quartet works:

• Quartet No.1  in d minor by Verhulst
• Four Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 81 by Mendelssohn

The second half of the program was much more mainstream as string quartets go – Brahms’ Quartet No. 1 in c minor, Op. 51, No. 1

Here they are playing the Verhulst. I have to say, they were lacking in the energy and clarity of this recorded performance. I did learn about some lesser-known works, though. Always learning!