By Jane Orzel

Ensemble Monterey presented a superb evening of chamber music Saturday evening at the Golden State Theater in Monterey. The program consisted of Mozart’s “String Quintet in C Major, K. 515” and Brahms’ “String Sextet No. 2, Opus 36 in G major.” The performers were well matched and played with fine balance and tight, cohesive ensemble. Five people, and later six, were of one mind as they communicated in a sophisticated way — with each other and with the audience.

First violin, David Dally, whose masterful artistry was a delight to observe, led the group with a grace and charm that was echoed by the whole group as they drew the audience into the rich textures of the music.

Each player demonstrated a very high level of technical mastery. Thrilling dynamic contrasts heard throughout the whole program served to keep the listener riveted to the music from one phrase to the next. Susan C. Brown, second violin, consistently enhanced the music, sometimes playing out with her own engaging lines, and at other times following like a shadow.

The poignant call and response in the Allegro first movement of the Mozart was beautifully played by both violinist David Dally and cellist Margie Dally, first with an inquiring ascending arpeggio in the cello followed by a thoughtful melody in the violin, then later with a repartee back and forth with these materials. In the second movement, Minuetto, the enhanced texture of the ensemble was brought forward by the warm, full-bodied playing of violists Leah Bayes and John Wineglass in melodic duet passages. The third movement, Andante, invoked an entirely different mood with its long legato passages and passionate dialog between violin and viola.

A second cello joined the group after intermission — Marilyn George adding lovely texture and substance to the robust harmonies of the Brahms. Brahms’ signature was in every phrase of this music, with stimulating counterpoint and harmonies in chromatic relationship. The second movement Scherzo began lightheartedly and then progressed to a section of fire and excited contrasts, which were convincingly played by the performers. The beginning of the third movement, Poco Adagio, breathtaking in its scope and beauty, was played quite tenderly by the group. Ultimately Brahms moved the listener into a vigorous fugue and ended the movement with a murmuring pastoral. The capricious narrative of this movement was performed very convincingly by the sextet.

This was the second program in the season for Ensemble Monterey. There are two more programs this spring, “Light-Hearted Winds” on March 26, 8pm, Golden State Theater and March 27 at First Congregational Church in Santa Cruz; and the Bach “Mass in B Minor” May 1, 8pm, Golden State Theater and May 2, 7pm, at First Congregational Church in Santa Cruz.

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Basoonist Jane Orzel has performed frequently with many ensembles in central California and is principal basoon in the Monterey and Santa Cruz Symphonies.