Aylesbury Lunchtime Music presents

Halcyon Quartet

Print version
11 September 2025

Starts: 12:45pm, Doors: 12:15pm

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

St Mary the Virgin, Aylesbury

£7 adults on the door (<18s & carers free)

Halcyon Quartet

Programme

Standing in for the scheduled Morassi Quartet, who have had to pull out due to injury, the Halcyon Quartet are a brilliant replacement.

  • 1756-1791

    Quartet No. 21 in D Major K575 “Prussian” (Mozart)
    i Allegretto, in D major, ii Andante, in A major, iii Menuetto: Allegretto, in D major with a trio section in G major, iv Allegretto in D major

    Written in 1789 for keen cellist, the King of Prussia, K.575 begins sotto voce with a delicate trio. Operatic overture exuberance soon unfolds, showcasing prominent cello lines (in deference to the King) and balanced by a strong conversational texture between all instruments. Mozart was at a financial crunch point in life and hoped that this commission would resurrect his fortunes. Small compensation was his only reward to compose six quartets for the musically enthusiastic King. K.575 is one of three “Prussian” quartets that Mozart completed before his death.

  • 1770-1827

    String Quartet No.5, Op.18 (Beethoven)
    i Allegro, ii Menuetto – Trio, iii Andante cantabile (Theme with variations), iv Allegro assai

    Playful and elegant, this 1801 quartet from a set if six conveys an entertaining sparkle. Modelled on an earlier Mozart quartet in the same key – Beethoven provides a lightness and grace that culminates in the final movement with contrapuntal fizz. As a counterbalance to this, the third movement provides a theme and variations that harmonically and rhythmically explores contentment, whimsy, soulfulness, and jubilation all with a textural grounding that reminds the listener this is still a serious quartet – despite the joviality explored in the other movements.

Performers

  • Halcyon Quartet

    String ensemble

    Described as “future stars of British Chamber Music”, the Halcyon Quartet formed in 2012 at the Royal Academy of Music.
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Key information for concert goers

When

Every Thursday at 12:45pm (except August & over Christmas). Performances last around 60 minutes. Please enter quietly as there is a noon service in the Lady Chapel.

How much?

Entry is £7 per adult (card or cash), under 18s and carers are free. The price includes a programme. Donations are welcomed to subsidise the larger ensembles.

Where?

Performances are at St Mary’s Church in the heart of Aylesbury Old Town. See directions for further details.

Do I need to book?

No, just turn up. Doors open at 12:15 pm. Make sure you arrive in good time to get a seat.

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