Review by Donald Hollins Emerald Ensemble at Christ Church, Nailsworth THE first Sunday afternoon concert of 2008 of this tea-time series drew a record audience. Perhaps it was the carrot of those home-made cakes and teas at the end that drew the crowds but I prefer to believe it was Schubert.

This was not any old Schubert. This was his String Quintet in C major, completed only a few weeks before his tragically early death at the age of 31; and recognised to be his greatest chamber work. By scoring this work for two cellos the composer created a darker, more sonorous tone for this heart-rending music: with its glorious lyricism in the opening cello duet and the rhythmic bite in the final movement. But it is the movingly poignant adagio movement that most will remember in this feast of riches.

The work received a lovingly attentive performance from the excellent Emerald Ensemble led by Roger Huckle on first violin, with Rachel Gough on second violin, Moira Alabaster on viola and Keith Tempest and Ruth Zagni contributing valuably on cellos.

Of all Schubert's works the String Quintet in C major is most equipped to stand on its own. We did not really need the Quintet in C by Boccherini, although it is pleasant enough to listen to and doubtless fun to perform with all those pizzicati. However, it was the Schubert that we shall remember.

The next Sunday afternoon concert at Nailsworth will be at 3pm on February 10.