The Manderling Quartet recently made its Manila debut at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The top quartet from Germany, composed of Sebastian Schmidt (first violin); Nanette Schmidt (second violin); Bernhard Schmidt (viola); and Andreas Willohl (cello) mesmerized the audience with sterling renditions of the well-loved Mozart, C Major, K. 465, or “Dissonance”; Jeffrey Ching’s new work, “Quartett-Dissonanzen,” which received its world premiere that night; and Dvorak’s String Quartet No. 12, Op. 96 or “The American.”

Obvious was every member’s astounding soloist capability; but each made a singular effort at collaboration and fusion to bring out the essence of ensemble work.

Having met the musicians backstage after their “amazing concert” in Berlin two years ago, Ching, who wrote the program notes of the concert, said he had composed the “sequel” to Mozart’s famous work and called it “Quartett Dissonanzen”—which he dedicated to the quartet.

In his notes, he said his composition was a “reverse” of Mozart’s. Immersed in European music tradition, Ching’s work is a witty commentary on Mozart’s work. His world premiere by the Manderling Quartet elicited hearty applause from the CCP audience.

The quartet held their audience in awe even more when they performed with collective ease Dvorak’s well-loved epic quartet, “The American,” which lasted for an hour! It was a very engaging listening.

Presented by Goethe Institut Philippines and CCP in cooperation with Makati Diamond Residence, the concert was a standout.

The Manderling Quartet was for keeps. They should come again to Manila! –CONTRIBUTED