Calisto Quartet Oct. 11 at the 222

CALLISTO'S ELEGANCE IN UPBEAT 222 GALLERY CONCERT

The Yale based Callisto Quartet fashioned a stirring concert Oct. 11 in Healdsburg’s fashionable 222 Art Gallery before 80 attentive listeners.

Three works were programmed – Mozart’s D Major, K. 575; Reena Esmail’s “Ragamala” and Dvorák’s No. 12 in F Major (“American”). All received committed performances, beginning with an aggressive approach over 24 minutes in the Mozart, a late work that has a light spirit.

Cellist Hannah Moses’ cello line was especially prominent, the Allegretto themes buoyant. Violinist Gregory Lewis played a lovely fast rising scale at the end of the Andante, echoed by Ms. Moses and violinist Mash Lakisova. Control of tempo changes was deft, as were several instrumental duos. The concluding Allegretto was performed serenely, the music contrapuntal and had cogent small interludes. Splendid.

A program highlight was the meditative Indian raga driven Ismail Quartet, played at 20 minutes and with several cello drone motives. There were lots of portamento and long-held notes, and the use of string mutes. Pizzicato playing was often robust and there was a sporadic nod to folk rhythms. Surging energy in the four movements alternated with quiet and “soft” sections, with again the cello line’s bottom register slides and drone notes.

The audience loved the work, as did I, and according to spoken comments from the stage the music is delightful for the Callisto to play, and well received everywhere.

Dvorák’s ever popular F Major Quarter closed the concert, so much familiar and so much pleasurable over 25 minutes. Mr. lakisova’s long violin solo at the Lento’s opening was beautiful, and throughout this emotional movement (the piece’s actual center with Czech flavor) the vibrato was extra wide.

The finale was played as a fast dance, all lively with much humor. This resolute and charming music, elegantly played by the Callisto with just the right amount of rhythmic flexibility.

The tantalizing dynamic last chords generated a standing ovation, but no encore was offered.