Since the quartet itself rarely materializes until after intermission, to call these concerts "quartet" programs is a bit of a misnomer. But that's part of the charm programs of university-based ensembles (in this case the University of Nevada, Reno) can tap into: Just roll out the talent and let the fun begin.

Opening with Stravinsky's wickedly astringent "A Soldier's Tale," arranged by the composer for violin, clarinet and piano, the fun began quickly. Narrated by the mellifluous-voiced John Steinfeld from National Public Radio's KUNR, Stravinsky's strange verbal tale of a young man's involvement with the devil makes for the same oddity of words it makes for its hyperbolic strangeness of musical lines and harmonies.

The Stravinsky is loaded with pungent sounds, wildly divergent lines and oodles of sardonic wit. Violinist Phillip Ruder, clarinetist David Ehrke and pianist James Winn captured all three and more for a devilish, fiery performance punctuated with swashbuckling black musical humor.

Turn-of-the-century Boston composer Charles Loeffler's "Deux Rhapsodies" sent the program scurrying off in yet another attractive before-intermission direction. Debussyesque in personality and tone, this small two-movement work for piano (Winn), oboe (Andrea Lenz) and viola (Virginia Lenz) is a light musical confection that's easy to digest.

In a reading that took on the pastel colorations of the Loeffler without any hint of overstatement, Winn, Lenz and Lenz gave an entirely delectable presentation - clean, virtuosic and rhapsodic.

So much for diversion. The concert's piece de resistance arrived post intermission.

Brahms's Quartet in C Minor for Piano (Winn), Violin (Ruder), Viola (Virginia Lenz) and Cello (John Lenz), Op. 60, is the product of two of the composer's creative periods. The opening and slow movements were written in 1855. In 1873, Brahms revised those two movements and added the Scherzo and finale.

There is a prevailing gloom in the quartet's opening and closing movements, a "somber grandeur," is how musicologist Peter Latham described them. For its depth of feeling, the quartet's crowning glory is its Andante. With its rhapsodic cello theme, gorgeously played by John Lenz (its been said that this is Brahms's renouncement of his love for Clara Schumann), the Andante has a soulfulness rare even for Brahms.

In a flawless technical performance, the Argenta played with the brooding intensity and emotionalism that makes its playing so unique and so magnetic. Nothing more needs to be said about playing that says it all. Shrewdly programmed and brilliantly played, Argenta Quartet concerts are at least a match for the best in chamber music events anywhere.

Sunday afternoon (4/18/99) at 3:00 p.m. the Argenta Quartet presents its last Casual Classics Concert of the season, "The Beat Goes On," with Andy Heglund and the UNR Percussion Ensemble. The Casual Classics series is designed for children (programs last no longer than one hour), but all concerts are worthwhile for people of all ages. For information call 775 784 6847.