Now, here’s some unusual repertoire! This Ensemble Q performance leapt from a Dvořák arrangement to Dohnányi to new Australian music – all tied together by the fact that the tentpole pieces were for seven players.

The performance began with cellist Trish Dean’s rejigging of Dvořák’s Bagatelles Op. 47, originally for two violins, cello, and harmonium (or piano if you don’t happen to have a harmonium on hand), for the combination of string trio, double bass, clarinet, French horn and bassoon. It’s the same combination as the famous Beethoven Septet, but what a refreshing change to hear different music for this ensemble.

Ensemble Q: Grand Sepet. Photo © Gavin Rebetzke

The Bagatelles are gorgeous little pieces, and, like most Dvořák, you’ll find yourself humming snatches of the tunes for ages. In their new septet format, the works fit seamlessly, but best of all was being reminded of just how good Ensemble Q are—my notes for the third movement, for instance, read “ridiculously tight,” and with playing that good, it’s not just a pleasure to listen to the performance but also to watch the players working together.