For this first outing of the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) in 2025, we met Artistic Director Skye McIntosh (violin) and her colleagues as a foursome, performing three beautifully contrasting string quartets from the classical and early romantic periods.

Haydn’s ‘Sunrise’ String Quartet in B flat major (Op. 76 No. 4) is the work of a mature and confident composer, fully prepared to go beyond the conventions of the period. 

In the Allegro, McIntosh on her 1770 Tomaso Eberle violin, led a spirited and dynamic opening before a passage in almost recitative style – the solo violin in free rhythm with the other instruments following with chords beneath.

Then came the Adagio, with lilting, lullaby phrases and duelling between instruments in half-tone progressive phrases working through scales. The Menuet provided moments of fun, and more relaxed expression in scherzo form, before the Allegro where the group managed lovely, gentle but precise endings to phrases and then raced to the finish with a theatrical flourish.