A Night of Splendor

Of all the musicales German Ambassador Herbert and Micheline Jess have hosted thus far in their spacious, elegant residence, that which featured the Justus Frantz Quartet may be regarded the most impressive. To borrow the words of an old song, it was truly "a night of splendor".

To begin with, 59-year-old pianist Frantz and his uncommonly young string instrumentalists–violinist Martin Panteleev, 26; violinist Ivo Krastev, 29 and cellist Alexandre Bagrintsev, 33–played superbly, each being a virtuoso in his own right. The four interpreted two piano quartets in G Minor, one by Mozart, the other, by Brahms.

The wonderful thing about the audience was that it consisted mostly of genuine cognoscenti who were fully aware–and appreciative–of the sterling quality of the evening’s performance. Accordingly, applause, prolonged and thunderous, followed each selection, and at program’s end, the players were given a standing ovation.

During the intermission, Mr. Frantz explained some finer points of the compositions to the audience to help them distinguish further the salient characteristics of Mozart from those of Brahms, and thus heighten their over-all enjoyment of the private concert.

Nothing less than a repetition of the final allegro movement of Brahm’s Quartet would satisfy the avid music lovers whose applause grew louder by the minute. Who could have encountered a more responsive audience?

At the cocktail reception that ensued, guests had the added pleasure of holding brief "interviews" with the individual performers. How warm, friendly and candid they proved to be!

Among the many present during that night of splendor were our own formidable conductor Oscar C. Yatco, former violin prodigy and now a legend to his young admirers Fred Mendoza, the moving spirit behind the musical journey of distinguished pianist Ingrid Sta. Maria and Reynaldo Reyes to the remotest regions of the archipelago, Goethe Institut Director Volker Adenmarg who is married to a petite Japanese beauty, German Embassy Secretary Uwe Brendt who is married to a tall Russian beauty (see photo) and former German Ambassador to the Philippines Claus Zeller who is married to a Filipina, Pinky del Rosario.

Familiar figures were Tony and Mita Rufino, Jimmy Laya, Virgilio Reyes, Jr., Beth Day Romulo, Louis and Mellie Ablaza, Tessie Luz, Vina Gaisberger and dozens more–all of whom raved about the Justus Frantz Quartet.