From Amsterdam, Dudok Quartet embarked on their inaugural tour of Australia to perform a selection of classical and new music in the 2024 Canberra International Music Festival.

The quartet comprises Judith Van Driel and Marleen Wester (violins), Marie-Louise de Jong (viola) and cellist David Faber.

Judith Van Driel and David Faber of Dudok Quartet. Photo © Dalice Trost 

The concert opened with Mozart’s String Quartet No. 23, K 590 (1790).

Classic to its core, this piece was Mozart’s last string quartet. Witten a few years after his father Leopold’s death, it shows how he had transitioned through those dark times to create one of his happiest pieces.

It’s a challenging work for players, yet lighthearted. From the very first notes, the advanced quality of sound from the Dudok Quartet sat strongly in the ear. Each player exuded something special. The clarity of each instrument and line of music exuded excellence.

Mozart’s clear and rich music was in the best of hands through these fine musicians. Every articulation and inflection in every phrase seemed perfectly handled.

The third movement was performed with great aplomb, but the fourth – the most complex – was a crazy ride....