String Quintet Op.38 in C minor ‘de la balle’

Onslow was stationed on a little mound, next to a tree, not far from the boar’s supposed track. A little later the dogs barked as a wild sow rushed by. Onslow shot and missed. A second simultaneous shot was fired and hit Onslow in the left cheek. He fell to the ground and would have died of suffocation had not one of the hunters jumped to the rescue and put him back on his feet.  He was taken back to Saint-Augustin, his head swathed in blood-soaked bandages. During the night he composed the movement ‘Delirium’ Onslow’s biographer on the hunting accident that inspired ‘The Bullet Quintet’The title page of the autograph makes it clear that the first movement was composed prior to the accident, but the composer’s pain, convalescence and recovery is expressed in the following three movements. As with the Op.56 Quartet we heard earlier in the Festival, this work is dedicated to a cello virtuoso and, as in the Quartet, the cello plays a starring role in this Quintet. Even without the composer getting shot, it is clear the Quintet was destined to be a dramatic work with a striking opening played several times in different scorings, a gorgeous second theme for the cello, Onslow’s trademark virtuoso passages that flash by at breathless speed and a distinctive presence for the double bass.Nonetheless the bullet certainly ratchets up the drama. Onslow spares nothing in describing his suffering. Right from the beginning he plays on the opposition of sound masses, fortissimo and pianissimo alternate remorselessly, the repeated figures are given a pounding, haunting character and the grim opening returns repeatedly. The convalescent third movement is a complete contrast, mostly muted with minimal dynamic markings and melodies that flow quietly in a close-knit harmonic texture.Recovery is signalled by a long trill on the viola and the joyful Finale comes roaring in. Onslow does a great line in brilliant last movements – irresistible tunes, ferocious energy and bright, cheerful colours, the whole sparkling with the virtuosic parts given to first fiddle and cello.