Haydn the subversive?

The Zelkova String Quartet, formed six years ago at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive young ensembles to come Derby Chamber Music's way for some time (Multi-Faith Centre, Derby University, Derby UK, 4 March 2016). The players combine technical flair — their cohesion is extraordinary — with a mature insight into what makes the music tick.

Their lean, sinewy approach to Haydn's G minor Quartet Op 20 No 3, highlighted the, at times, sheer oddity of the first movement...