Positive Points about Selected Concerts - 2003/04
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3rd Sept 2004 - 10:15pm - BBC Prom 65 - Ensemble Intercontemporain -
Pierre Boulez
Royal Albert Hall, London
Following hot on the heels of Haitink at 75, Boulez (close to 80) was
equally impressive - conducting a rhythmically fearsome programme with accuracy
and vigour ending at 11:45pm in the evening !His own antiphonal Sur Incises
utilised three groups of trios of harp, piano and tuned percussion - although
perhaps drawing on the style of Messiaen in many places it showed Boulez is
still fully active as a creative composer.
The BBC Singers in Stravinsky's Les Noces demonstrated virtuosic
intonation.
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3rd Sept 2004 - 7:00pm - BBC Prom 64 - Dresden Staatskapelle - Bernard
Haitink
Royal Albert Hall, London
The Dresden Staatskappelle played with superb ensemble - not just
rhythmically but also in terms of blending of tone. Infact the orchestral
balance achieved by Bernard Haitink was one of the most striking features of
this wonderful concert. A good example of this was the brass playing in the
restrained but exquisite interpretation of Mozart's Jupiter Symphony - the
horns only played four loud notes - the statement of the fugal theme towards
the end of the finale - but this made them all the more telling.
Bruckner 7 gave Haitink yet another opportunity to demonstrate that at
75 he is perfectly qualified to judge pace and direction of the great Bruckner
symphonies.
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13th Aug 2004 - 7:30pm - BBC Prom 38 - London Sinfonietta - David
Robertson - YoYo Ma (cello) - Wu Man (pipa) - Wu Tong (sheng) - Joel Fan -
(piano) - Paul Crossley (piano) - Cynthia Millar (ondes martenot)
Royal Albert Hall, London
Bright Sheng's "The Song and Dance of Tears" was followed by a tight
performance of Messiaen's Turangalila Symphony. A very much augmented London
Sinfonietta played with the usual precision - the brass and horns being notably
"as one" inspite of the large physical separation of the sections. Helen Keen
(piccolo) and Fiona Ritchie (woodblock) were striking (but by no means unique)
examples of the dynamic range and rhythmic control achieved by all the wind and
brass sections. Not to be outdone, the shimmering of the strings in the magical
sustained passages was remarkable given that this was basically a band of
"extras".
The whole work was conducted with deceptive ease by David
Robertson.
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6th Aug 2004 - 7:00pm - BBC Prom 29 - BBC National Orchestra of Wales -
Tadaaki Otaka - Trules Mork (cello) - Katarina Karneus (mezzo sop)
Royal Albert Hall, London
Trules Mork captured Dvorak's gutsy (yet still lyrical) writing in his
Cello Concerto - which also gave BBCNOW leader Lesley Hatfield a chance to
shine with some fine solo fiddle work.
The concert ended with some very loud but perfectly toned brass playing
in Respigi's Pines of Rome - which filled the Albert Hall's ample space (even
with a near capacity audience)
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23rd July 2004 - 7:30pm - BBC Prom 9 - Ensemble Modern - George
Benjamin
Royal Albert Hall, London
George Benjamin demonstrated his awareness and interest in
orchestration in the performance of Messiaen's Des Canyons aux Etoiles... ,
taking extra care to bring every strand of orchestral colour through.
Unusually, some subtle change of lighting between the sections helped
rather than distracted.
Simon Breyer's superb playing of the challenging horn part was the
perfect advertisement for the unique sound of an Alexander horn. It was great
too, to see (and hear) Jagdish Mistry amongst the select violinists - his
contribution as regular guest leader with the Bardi orchestra during that
band's early years is still remembered with respect and affection.
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17th July 2004 - 7:30pm - The Bardi Wind Orchestra - David Calow
Rainbows Childrens Hospice Summer Spectacular, Loughborough,
Leics.
Roger Swann = horn
Full marks for originality go to the Rainbows organisers - four hot air
balloons "dancing" (actually alternately lighting their burners) to The
Magnificent Seven was a "first" for your reviewer.
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11th July 2004 - 7:30pm - The Heart of England Orchestra - Paul Hilliam
- Diana Sharp (sop) - with special guests The Quorn Royal British Legion Pipe
Band.
Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leics.
Roger Swann = horn
Typical fireworks concert fayre - with a stirring fly past from WW2
Spitfire. Diana Sharp got everyone going with her fine singing and seductive
dress sense.
Technical problems meant that the fireworks didn't happen until way
after the end of the 1812 overture, a feature that may not have been
appreciated by the large audience (many of whom had astutely chosen alcohol as
the most sensible remedy for the cold conditions) but did mean that the members
of the orchestra were able to enjoy the display to the full.
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8th July 2004 - 7:30pm - COMA East Midlands Ensemble - Kieran
O'Riordan
Courtyard Theatre, Clarendon College, Nottingham
Roger Swann = horn
A wide range of pieces, mostly composed by members of the ensemble. The
sign next to the entrance wisely warned "This performance may contain chords
that members of the audience may find offensive"
The after show buffet (for audience and performers alike) included some
first class walnut and date loaf baked by the saxophonist Sean
Crossthwaite.
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3rd July 2004 - 7:30pm - The Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra
+ former LSSO players - Russel Parry
The Civic Hall, Bedworth, Northants
Roger Swann = horn
The musical justification of combining the current LSSO with a full
orchestra made up of previous LSSO members (of a wide range of vintages) to
play Dvorak's New World Symphony may be questionable (one hopes it was of as
much educational benefit for Lynsey Payne [LSSO 1st horn] sitting next to your
reviewer as it was for your reviewer to sit next to her) but it was certainly
fun.
John Whitmore did a fine job as Master of Ceremonies - just about
keeping within the limitations of good taste.
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26th June 2004 - 7:30pm - The Bardi
Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Constantine - Chloe Hanslip (violin)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn (Debussy)
Some first class playing from Sarah Hodnett (flute) and Rose Greenlees
(oboe) throughout - with a particularly atmospheric concert opening with
Debussy's Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune.
Chloe Hanslip played the Mendelssohn fiddle concerto with good
technical security and musicianship way beyond her years (she was born in
1987).
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19th June 2004 - 7:30pm - The Helix Ensemble - Roger Coull (Director /
Violin)
St Mary's Church, Bottesford, Lincs
Roger Swann = horn
A typical Helix programme included a wide range of different musical
styles - with the two extremes being Roger Coulls relaxed playing of the Bach
Violin Concerto in A minor and the Helix wind players capturing some of the
sultry style of Barber's Summer Music.
Roger Coull was ambitious in searching for a gentle, sophisticated
reading of Mozart's 29th Symphony (K 201) - a quest that was for the most part
successful.
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12th June 2004 - 7:30pm - The Loughborough Orchestra - Liz Thomas -
Sarah Brookman (Bassoon)
Holy Trinity Church, Barrow on Soar, Leics
A varied programme ended with a rousing play through of Chabrier's
Espana. Another highlight was the tidy flute playing (Hazel Needham and Jo
Bestwick) in the Barcarole from Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann.
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6th June 2004 - 7:30pm - The Philharmonia - Thierry Fischer - Hakan
Hardenberger (Trumpet) - Jonas Bylund (Trombone)
de Montfort Hall, Leicester
It was a joy to hear two virtuosic soloists "conversing" in Cors de
Chasse by Piers Hellawell. The legendary playing of Haken Hardenberger was
equally matched by some perfectly pitched high trombone entries.
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5th June 2004 - 7:30pm - The Bardi Wind Orchestra - David Calow
Holy Trinity Church, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
An attractive 8 bars of flugal horn playing by Janes Stevens in the 007
medley.
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1st June 2004 - 8:00pm - The Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Nicholas
Daniel
American Cathedral, 23 Ave George V, Paris
Roger Swann = horn
It was an honour to play in Martin Gilding's last LSO concert as
principal horn - a position he has held with distinction since 1978 (having
first joined the orchestra in 1963). Bravo !
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30th May 2004 - 4:00pm - The Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Nicholas
Daniel
Eglise St Roche, Rue St Roche, Paris
Roger Swann = horn
Repeating the performance of Bruckner's fourth symphony given in
Leicester on 20th May 2004 the most remarkable thing about this event was the
huge audience (literally standing in the aisles) and their enthusiastic
response to our playing.
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25th May 2004 - 7:30 pm - Knighton Chamber Orchestra - Paul
Jenkins
Stoneygate Baptist Church, Leicester
The debut concert of the Knighton Chamber Orchestra found Paul Jenkins
drawing together a band of fine players. Some exciting viola swirls in the
presto of Mozart's D maj Divertimento (K136) and some delicate flute playing
(Jo Conquest) in Haydn's symphony No. 104 were among the highlights.
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22nd May 2004 - 7:30 pm - Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra - Jaques
Harry Cohen - Leonid Gorokhov ('cello)
The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Roger Swann = horn
Leonid Gorokov can just make a 'cello sing. His performance of the
Dvorak Cello Concerto was technically faultless - but much more importantly, so
tender and lyrical without ever becoming over sentimental. A joy to
accompany.
Jacques Cohen clearly loves the cold steely power of Shostakovich's
10th Symphony. Conducting with out a score he gave a block bustering reading -
driving the superb NPO strings to the limit. There was some chilling pianissimo
playing too from Sarah Parnell (clarinet).
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20th May 2004 - 7:45pm - The Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Nicholas
Daniel - Stephen Bell (horn)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
This concert provided continuing evidence that Leicester Symphony
Orchestra is on an "up" under Nick Daniel's skillfull cultivation. His
conducting of Rossini's Overture from Italian Girl In Algiers ebbed and flowed
with every bar - really capturing the unique quality of Rossini.
Stephen Bell's account of Mozart's 4th Horn Concerto (K 495) included a
very showy (if somewhat un-Mozartian) first movement cadenza. Throughout the
quality of sound was enjoyable and his use of a wide dynamic range very
effective.
The best was reserved for a magnificent account of Bruckner's 4th
Symphony. This was Martin Gilding's last UK performance with the Leicester
Symphony Orchestra (the Bruckner is to be performed by the same forces in Paris
in the near future) and he rose to the challenges of the principal horn part
majestically. There was some similarly high quality playing from many other
quarters too, notably Christine Griggs (oboe) and Paul Gray (clarinet). But
again the real praise must be reserved for Nick Daniel. It was immediately
obvious that he had given great care to the pacing and overall structure of
this vast work and the result was an immaculately judged interpretation. His
baton technique is improving with every outing and the string sound he extracts
from what is on paper perhaps not an outstanding string section is
amazing.
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15th May 2004 - 7:30pm - Rutland Sinfonia - Peter Wadl - Ronan Magill
(Piano)
Memorial Hall, Uppingham School, Uppingham, Rutland
Roger Swann = horn
It was magnificent to hear the Rutland Sinfonia back in Uppingham
School Hall, easily the best venue for orchestral concerts in Rutland.
The account of Walton's Crown Imperial was particularly energertic and
sparkly.
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8th May 2004 - 4:00pm - Die Walkure - English National Opera - Paul
Daniel
The Coliseum, London
Particularly notable quality singing from Par Lindskog (Siegmund),
Kathleen Broderick (Brunnhilde) and Clive Bayley (Hunding).
Some beautiful pianissimo sustained horn playing was only one of the
many things to enjoy in the orchestral accompaniment
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3rd May 2004 - 7:30pm - The Bardi
Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Constantine - David Cohen ('cello)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
David Chohen gave a technically accomplished performance of Barber's
complex Cello Concerto - and still captured the Barber lyricism during the slow
movement.
It was great to play Wagner's Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan und
Isolde - and would be even greater were the Bardi ever to get a chance to do
the whole opera.
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29th April 2004 - 7:30 pm - Chamber Music Concert
Oakham Methodist Church, Oakham, Rutland
Roger Swann = horn
A first half of miscellaneous pieces gave Anne McCrae (well known
around Leicestershire for her more than competent bassoon playing) a chance to
demonstrate hidden keyboard skills, performing piano duets with Barry
Collett.
The main piece of the concert was the rarely programmed quintet for
Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn. Another gem from the vast array of
off-the-beaten track repertoire so loved by Barry Collett.
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28th April 2004 -7:30 pm - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra - Bernard
Haitink
The Barbican, London
The strings of the Vienna Philharmonic make just a fantastic sound -
perfectly suited to the final movement of Mahler's 9th Symphony which has to be
one of the peaks of he symphonic repetoire. The horns sounded wonderful too,
and the leader produced so much projection from his fiddle..... (how do they do
that?)
Because of the "name all the members" policy adopted by the programme
it is not possible to credit individual player's performances. However the band
are so uniformly excellent as players, with the whole being even greater than
the sum of the parts that perhaps this policy is sound.
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25th April 2004 - 6:00 pm - London Sinfonietta + Friends
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
This was the London Sinfonietta at it's most eclectic - providing the
equivalent of BBC Radio 3's excellent "Late Junction". In typical London
Sinfonietta style all the groups of performers were outstanding. A feast for
all (starting at 6:00pm and finishing at 9:45pm - with two short intervals). As
part of the South Bank Omaggio festival celebrating the music of Luciano Berio
the concert featured some of the folk song music that he was influenced
by.
The Hungarian Mezzo, Katalin Karolyi had the perfect voice for Berio's
Folk Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and Chamber Ensemble and the other London
Sinfonietta contribution: Berio's Naturale for viola (Paul Silverthorne),
percussion (David Hockings) and tape found the two soloists on top form -
interacting with the taped 'Eastern' sounding Sicilian folk songs to great
effect.
Jivan Gasparyan and his two fellow duduk players were enchanting as
they played Armenian folk music, as were the equally virtuosic and charismatic
(and even more curiously modest) four members of Tenores di Bitti who provided
Sardinian folk music consisting of unaccompanied rich chanting.
The Iranian (Kurdish) family group The Kamkars rounded off the event
with some spectacular playing / singing.
The wide range of performers drew an equally wide ranging audience
profile. It was the most restless London Sinfonietta audience this reviewer has
been part of (having been a regular member for over twenty years). There were
many many late comers, many who left in the middle, a really high quality
"dropper" who managed to drop the same very noisy item twice in fifteen minutes
- both in quiet passages to gain full effect ! And the camera owner who using
flash photography......
Shame Midland Mainline Trains were not running because of industrial
action - resulting in a long journey home via Thameslink to
Bedford........
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1st April 2004 - 7:30 pm - Trial by Jury / HMS Pinafore - Leicester G
& S Society
The Little Theatre, Leicester
Enjoyable evening out - one learns to see the postive side of an
audience with people joining in the songs (badly out of tune) in between the
whistling hearing aids.
On the stage Carolyn Carvell (Buttercup) and Mike Tebbut (Ralph
Rackstraw) deserve special mention.
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31st March 2004 - 7:30 pm - London Philharmonic Orchestra - Daniel
Harding - Ian Bostridge (tenor), Richard Bissill (horn)
The Royal Festival Hall, London
Some very agile activity in Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn &
Strings with the soloists choosing brisk tempos throughout.
Very high standard of ensemble from all sections in Deryck Cooke's
completion of Mahler's 10th Symphony - the band clearly relishing the
orchestral writing. (Stephen Bell as guest principal horn made the utmost of
the whoopy horn part!)
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27th March 2004 - 7:30 pm - Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra - Neil
Thomson - Vladimir Ovchinnikov (piano)
The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Roger Swann = horn
Alison Madin set the high standard of playing with a beautiful flute
solo in the opening of Debussy'sPrelude a L'apres-midi d'un faune.
Vladimir Ovchinnikov made light work of the demanding Piano Concerto in
G by Ravel - with fleetness of foot nearly matched by the agile wind and brass
playing.
Once again the NPO strings showed that they are the best symphonic
string section in the East Midlands.
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26th Mar 2004 - 7:45pm - Houghton Music Club Concert
The Village Hall, Houghton-on-the-Hill, Leics
Roger Swann = Conductor (HP Sauce)
The Houghton Philharmonic Symphonic Assembly Using Children and Elders
played the flexibly scored "Mechaniks Bench" by Lucia Dunbar with good accuracy
and careful adherence to the works carefully considered dynamics.
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25th March 2004 - 1:05 pm - Nicholas Daniel + Britten Sinfonia
Solists
The Victorian Art Gallery, New Walk Museum, Leicester
Nick Daniel demonstrated his mastery of the oboe in Mozarts Oboe
Quartet K370 - his pianissimo playing proving completely enchanting.
The trio of Paulin Lowbury (violin), Clare Finnimore (viola) and
Caroline Dearnley ('cello) sounded most unified in Lennox Berkeley's Allegro
(taken from the String Trio of 1943.). This work (most intelligently introduced
by Nick Daniel) showed the range of colour the three instruments can produce.
There was one moment where the same note was heard alone first in the violin,
then immediately in the viola and then the 'cello. The way the tone darkened
with each step proved a typical example of the skill of the composer.
***********************************************************************
21st March 2004 - 3:30 pm - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra - Bernard
Haitink - Andras Schiff (piano)
The Barbican, London
Bruckner 9 in the hands of a very able bodied 75 year old in charge of
an equally able bodied group of musicians. The orchestral balance was
intelligently judged throughout - no swamping of the strings and woodwind by
huge toned brass here - and yet it was still obvious to the audience and
conductor alike what superb horn playing we witnessed.
The capacity crowd quite correctly gave the Maestro a rapturous ovation
at the conclusion of this magnificent symphony. His birthday celebrations
continue throughout the year (watch this space!).
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20th March 2004 - 7:30pm - Nottingham MusicSpace 10th Anniversary
Concert - Richard Roddis
Central Methodist Mission, Nottingham
Roger Swann = horn
A very wide range of pieces for this special event organised in
recognition of the fine work of Nottingham MusicSpace (Music Therapy
Charity).
Sinfonia Chorale directed by Richard Roddis made a huge sound and sung
with perfect intonation throughout - it was a joy to both listen to and to
accompany.
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19th March 2004 - 8:00 pm - BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Richard
Hickox - James Gilchrist (tenor), Stephen Stirling (horn), Cecillia Zilliacus
(violin)
Prichard Jones Hall, Bangor, Wales
Stephen Stirlings refined playing (and equally refined approach to
music making in general) was perfectly suited to Britten's Serenade for Tenor,
Horn and Strings. A beautifully played prologue set the tone for the remainder
of the work. Graham Gilchrist had a strinkingly powerful interpretation
too.
Cecillia Zilliacus also had the measure of Prokofiev's Second violin
concerto (Op 63) effortlessly swopping from the streams of notes to the lyrical
luscious tunes in this masterpiece.
The austere surrounds of the Prichard Jones Hall have a fair bit of
echo and this perfectly suited the opening work, Mahler's Blumine. Andy
Everton's sultry trumpet playing shone out as the highlight of some excellent
playing by all sections of the band.
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13th March 2004 - 7:30pm - CoOperative Male Voice Choir + Guests - Paul
Jenkins
Enderby Methodist Chapel, Enderby, Leics
Roger Swann = horn (in the Unique-Horns)
A varied programme played to a full (and warmly welcoming) house. The
Methodist Chapel has a marvelous accoustic which helped the Unique-Horns give a
slick performance in their solo spots and allowed the choir to enjoy the
unusual combination of Male voices and four horns to the full.
Freda Mann accompanied Ethne Goode (solo soprano) with flexible
sensitivity in some good "songs from the shows"
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6th March 2004 - 7:30pm - Rutland Sinfonia - Peter Wadl - Rebecca Hewes
('cello)
St Peter's Church, Oundle, Northants
Roger Swann = horn
Careful preparation meant that the church was well illuminated - and
therefore was a comfortable place for the orchestra to perform.
Many new faces in the string sections contributed significantly to the
quality of the string sound.
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4th March 2004 - 7:30pm - Das Rheingold - English National Opera - Paul
Daniel
The London Coliseum
The staging of the work reviewed as a concert performance given on 20th
Oct 2002. The Coliseum looks splendid in it's new coat of paint (once the stage
lighting came on you could smell new paint warming up)
Especially effective lighting - particularly in the representation of
the Rhine maidens with the glittering background turning to a magical gold at
the appropriate point.
Quality singing throughout - Andrew Shore's Alberich perhaps being the
pick of a good bunch.
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28th Feb 2004 - 7:30pm - The Helix Ensemble - David Greed (Director /
Violin)
All Saints Church, Cotgrave, Notts
Roger Swann = horn
A repeat of yesterday's programme in significantly more comfortable
accoustic allowed the Helix Ensemble to play to their more ususal high
standard. Again the highlights were the string playing in both the Tippett and
the Purcell Chaconne.
Special mention too for the quality flute playing in both The Lark
Ascending (Sarah Waters) and Malcolm Arnold's Sinfonietta No 3 (Op 81) (Jo
Conquest).
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27th Feb 2004 - 7:30pm - The Helix Ensemble - David Greed (Director /
Violin)
Cope Auditorium, Loughborough
Roger Swann = horn
The strings caught just the right balance between joyfull vivacity and
accuracy in Tippett's Little Music for Strings inspite of the unhelpful
accoustic of the Cope Auditorium.
David Greed's playing in Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending was
secure enough to effortlessly cope with some less than ideal
accompaniament.
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21st Feb 2004 - 7:45pm - The Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Nick Daniel
- Min-Jin Kym (violin)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
Michael Berkeley's Gregorian Variations for Orchestra made a colourful
opening to the concert (it was good to see Michael Berkeley in the
audience)
The strings sounded great in the opening of the Tchaikovsky Violin
Concerto, perhaps enjoying the quality of the front desk enhanced by the
presence of Jane Sinclair as guest leader.
Nick Daniel had clearly given a lot of thought to his musical
interpretation of Mahler's epic first symphony - some of his tempos (and tempo
changes) testing the band to the limit. Heather Hewitt rose to the challenge of
the nervy double bass solo in the slow movement and did an admirable job of
setting the atmosphere on which the movement relies.
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13th Feb 2004 - 7:15pm - The Bartered Bride - Opera North - Martyn
Brabbins
The Threatre Royal, Nottingham
A simple pleasing take on a simple pleasing opera (operetta?) made for
an easy going evenings entertainment. The circus performers (especially the
balancing on chairs act) new what they were doing!
The orchestra played with the accuracy and vivacity that the score
demands.
Who ever allowed the theatre royal to strip their beautiful warm
welcoming (traditionally wooden finished) main patrons bar and replace it with
a characterless McDonalds style room should be shot.
***********************************************************************
12th Feb 2004 - 7:30pm - The Tempest (Thomas Ades) - The Royal
Opera
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London
Some amazing ultra high singing from Cyndia Sieden as Ariel matched in
quality by Christine Rice taking the part of Miranda.
The stage design (Tom Cairns and Moritz Junge) and lighting (Wolfgang
Gobbel) was ever changing - the moment where Ferdinand was washed ashore on the
mediteranean beach came out of nowhere and was especially effective.
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11th Feb 2004 - 7:45pm - Houghton Music Club Performers Evening
Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire
A varied programme including The Aeolian Wind Quintet, a piano trio, 4
hands at one piano doing jazz duets, and a clarinet and piano combination.
Perhaps predictably the highlight for this reviewer was the world
premier of Joanna Watson's first piece, performed by the composer on oboe with
Ruth Wills providing the sensitive piano accompaniament
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7th Feb 2004 - 7:30pm - The Bardi
Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Constantine - Mark van de Wiel (clarinet)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
Mark van de Wiel chose to play Mozart's clarinet concerto K622 on a
basset clarinet - and demonstrated the sonorous dark tone that the instrument
can product in the lower register. His pianissimo playing in the slow movement
drew the attentitive audience in to a point where the atmosphere was almost
sizzling.
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1st Feb 2004 - 3:00pm - The Bardi
Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Constantine - Natalie Clein ('cello)
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Roger Swann = horn
The orchestra enjoyed being back in Symphony Hall. Especially because
we found ourselves in front of a reasonable sized audience.
The serene opening of the slow movement of Berlioz' Symphonie
Fantastique worked especially well in the spacious accoustic (Linda Blackhouse,
Cor Anglais, Rosemary Curtis off stage oboe).
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30th Jan 2004 - 7:00pm - Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra - Jacques
Harry Cohen - Alasdair Malloy (percussion)
The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Roger Swann = horn
This concert found the NPO strings (leader Janet Hall) in fine form
enjoying the Mantovani sounds of Victor Young's music from Around the World in
80 days and Maurice Jarre's themes from Lawrence of Arabia
Alasdair Malloy impressed with his fleetness of hand on the Xylophone
in Macini's Hong Kong Fireworks. Likewise his wine glass opening to his own
arrangement of Riverdance had control and finess (not common amongs wine glass
players).
***********************************************************************
3rd Jan 2004 - 7:00pm - Aladdin
The New Theatre, Cardiff, Wales
John Inman was superb as Widow Twankey (including the great re-working
of the classic Maddona song: "Nothing like a good Twankey") in this very lively
and colourful production.
Your reviewer is praying that the glass of house red ordered for the
interval will be the worst one of 2004. It was close to pure vinegar - the type
of wine struggled with in the sun on a hill in Nice bought for 5 francs a litre
on an interail holiday 20 years ago - the type of wine you find very hard to
buy nowadays (even in Nice!)
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16th Dec 2003 - 7:30pm - Tongwynlais Primary School Christmas
Concert
Tongwynlais Primary School, Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales
All the youngsters sung (and acted) their hearts out. Ben Sinclair had
the best snow flake headress in the show (at Christmas time reviewers are
entitled to a little bias)
Two of the seven dwarfs delivered the great (?) joke:
dwarf 1: I can't read a map.
dwarf 2: He can't read full stop!
dwarf 1: I can too, and commas as well.
***********************************************************************
15th Dec 2003 - 8:00pm - Cafe Wax Bar Scientific Discussion Evening -
What is Music?
Cafe Wax Bar, Nottingham
Roger Swann = horn, bottles, keys, voice (and other COMA performance
technique devices)
An attempt by several members of COMA East Midlands at leading (by
demonstration) some audience participation in typical COMA music. Some thought
provoking moments and many items that were impressively and accurately shot
down by an audience not having the wool pulled over their eyes.
***********************************************************************
7th Dec 2003 - 7:00pm - Arts in Education Christmas Gala Concert
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Overwhelmingly inspirational event to see so many young people playing
well together. The choice of repetoire by each ensemble was particularly
noteworthy, each group played a wide variety of music. For example the
Intermediate Orchestra (Conductor Jo Conquest) inlcuded Elgar and Andrew Lloyd
Weber and the Symphonic Wind Band (Conductor Alan Holford) performed Vaughan
Williams and Nigel Hess. The Training Orchestra (Conductor Andrew Bound)
brought vivacity to Malcolm Arnold's March from his Little Suite.
One couldn't help but be impressed by the accuracy and panache in the
Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra (Conductor Russell Parry)
interpretation of Bernstein's colourful "On the Town" dance episodes. It had
your reviewer spontaneously clapping enthusiastically after the first movement
(something he frequently finds slightly niggling when practiced by other
audience members - so apologies to any listening colleagues who's enjoyment may
have been impaired)
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6th Dec 2003 - 7:30pm - Univeristy of Leicester Choral Society -
Proteus - Anthony Pither
St James The Greater Church, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
The mood of the concert was set to perfection with Mozart's magnificent
Masonic Funeral Music (K477).
Diano Sharp gave a silky (one audience member was heard to use the word
"unaffected") legatto performance of Strauss' luscious Four Last Songs.
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5th Dec 2003 - 7:45pm - Houghton Music Club Concert
The Village Hall, Houghton-on-the-Hill, Leics
Roger Swann = horn
The Houghton Philharmonic Symphonic Assembly Using Children and Elders
showed their appreciation of Special Guest Conductor Paul Jenkin's rehearsal
and performance technique by successfully negotiating some tricky repetoir,
culminating in a spirited performance of the Hoe Down from Coplands ballet
Rodeo.
The Houghton Singers (directed by Helen Noble) sung a particularly
varied choice of works.
Guest artists "Tea for Three" (Marguerite Beatson, David Calow and
Robert Calow) had a seductively smooth sound, the perfect foil to the remainder
of the concert!
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2nd Dec 2003 - 7:45pm - London Sinfonietta - Martyn Brabbins -
Pierre-Andre Valade
The Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London
The official highlight of the evening was the London premier of
Harrison Birtwistle's Theseus Game for large ensemble and two conductors.
Containing some fine moments this piece takes Birtwistle's quest for complexity
using simple methods to new levels. It did raise some questions of balance
though, for example the viola solo was completely drowned out.
The performance of Birtwistle's Tragoedia (written in 1965, for string
quartet, wind quintet and harp) showed both the performers and the composer in
the best light. Some extremely precise yet subtle playing yielding some
shimmering, interweaving textures (and the wood block writing works
perfectly).
An added bonus was the busker in Waterloo underground at 11:00pm,
playing a kora in a very accomplished manner.
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29th Nov 2003 - 4:30pm - Gotterdammerung - English National Opera
(Concert performance) - Paul Daniel
The Barbican Hall, London
The final part of the Ring cycle in concert performance, in
anticipation of the ENO staging in 2004 / 05. Some beautiful pianissimo playing
from the clarinets and bass clarinet and some wonderful wagner tuba playing.
Much of the music in Gotterdammerung is etherial - the orchestra were sublime
in all such passages.
Excellent offstage playing (carefully thought out positioning to create
the geography of the different scenes) - particularly noteworthy horn calls by
Jeffrey Bryant
Kathleen Broderick is an erotic Brunnhilde - and she sounded
great.
One looks forward to the staged production with great anticipation
(whilst wishing that ENO would start singing in the original language and use
surtitles).
£5-60 per glass of fairly rough Argentinian wine (and remember
there are two intervals) is a bit over the top even for the Barbican.
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22nd Nov 2003 - 7:30pm - The Bardi
Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Constantine - Nikolai Demidenko (piano) - Sarah
Aaronson (piano accordion)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
The Bardi orchestra found their top form for this concert. The
combination of the inspirational playing of Nikolai Demidenko (vast array of
pianistic colours in Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto - all used to add to a
musical whole) and the pasionate and infectious enthusiasm of Sarah Aaranson
(and a great violet flower in her hair too) drove the orchestra to give it's
very best.
Special mention must be made also of the guest leader Erik Chapman. His
work during rehearsals was also a positive factor in the quality of the
performance, as was his insistence on careful tuning (we would benefit from
even more of this!). In addition his solo playing in John Williams' Schindler's
List theme was rounded and lyrical but stayed just the right side of
sentimental.
On final treat was the honour of having Helen Tunstall (Principal Harp
of the London Sinfonietta) join us. As always, her harp playing was
immaculate.
The near capacity audience were treated to a strongly worded
editorial (pdf format 24kb) by Andrew Constantine in
the concert programme. Strongly worded, but completely sound thoughts - he
deserves recognition for having the courage and wisdom to speak out about the
importance of building on the current quality of symphonic musical life in the
city of Leicester.
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15th Nov 2003 - 8:00pm - La Grande Macabre - Matthias Foremny (MD) -
Barrie Kosky (Director)
Komische Opera Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Following hot on the heels of the excellent BBC Symphony Orchestra
concert performance of Ligetti's masterpiece was this chance to catch a full
operatic presentation.
This was certainly a whacky production (one wonders if any other kind
would be possible?) with some particularly fine playing from the orchestra and
some very spikey singing from the chief of secret police (Eiko Morikawa
(sop)).
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13th Nov 2003 - 7:45pm - Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Nicholas Daniel
- Piers Lane (piano)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Nick Daniel continues to amaze with the wide variety of moods he can
evoke with the Leicester Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra seems to be
improving dramatically with every concert he conducts.
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8th Nov 2003 - 7:30pm - Rutland Sinfonia - Peter Wadl
Southfields School, Oakham, Rutland
Roger Swann = horn
Ravel's Mother Goose Suite was especially enjoyable because of the
accompanying fireworks from nearby display. Programme planners please consider
this piece instead of 1812.......
Jane Phillips played the harp cadenza in Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite
beautifully.
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3rd Nov 2003 - 7:30pm - Philharmonia Orchestra - Gilbert Kaplan
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Some top quality playing from the trombone section, led by Byron
Fulcher and including the refined bass trombone sound of Christian Jones,
recently appointed from his previous position with the BBC NOW with whom he
offered many good performances.
The real winner was Mahler himself, his music still sounding like a
masterpiece inspite of the "subtle as a brick" interpretation stamped on the
proceedings by the american conductor.
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1st Nov 2003 - 7:30pm - Helix Ensemble - Jacques Harry Cohen
The Fraser Noble Building, University of Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
The rarely heard "Summer Evening" by Zoltan Kodaly was followed by the
conductor's own work "Serenata Malinconica" which featured some melodic violin
writing played with lyrical expertise by Michelle Taylor.
Haydn's Symphony No 8 "Le Soir" has a double bass solo in the trio of
the minuet, played with wit by Naomi Turner.
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26th Oct 2003 - 7:30pm - Nottingham University Sinfonia - Jonathan
Tilbrook
The Great Hall, Nottingham University, Nottingham
A chance to hear Hilmar Hauer (trumpet) and Tim Brown (trombone) in
Koetsier's Concerto for Trumpet and Trombone - the horn section particularly
revelled in this unusual choice of piece.
The accoustics of the hall particularly suited the two scandinavian
pieces performed: Sibelius' Incidental music from Pelleas et Melisande and
Nielsen's Suite for Strings.
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19th Oct 2003 - 7:30pm - Le Grand Macabre - BBC Symphony Orchestra,
Singers + Soloists - Alexander Rumpf
The Barbican Hall, London
A magical (and many times amusing) evening with Ligeti's masterpiece of
the 1970's given a superb performance by the orchestra and a very distinguished
line up of soloists (and judging by the complexity of the writing they needed
to be distinguished!).
The semi-staged production featured some projections (pun intended)
from the design sketches from an Italian production of 1979 which added to the
far from subtle atmosphere conjured up by the performers.
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18th Oct 2003 - 7:30pm - Leicester Philharmonic Choir -
The Bardi Symphony Orchestra - Andrew
Constantine
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
Roger Swann = horn
The Leicester Philharmonic Choir were on fine form and the performance
of Elgar's The Music Makers was lifted by the superb singing of Susan
Parry.
The triumph of the evening was the finale of Beethoven's Choral
Symphony with both chorus and orchestra revelling in the conductors obvious
enthusiasm for this joyous work.
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17th Oct 2003 - 7:30pm - Avondale Ensemble - Barry Collett
Belton-in-Rutland Church, Oakham, Rutland
Roger Swann = horn
A repeat of the programme from 15th October, this time in the beautiful
church of Belton-in-Rutland with copious interval nibbles and an excellent
village pub (real fire, good beer, good conversation and not much else) adding
to the ocassion.
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15th Oct 2003 - 7:30pm - Avondale Ensemble - Barry Collett
All Saint's Church, Oakham, Rutland
Roger Swann = horn
Another chance to hear Mozart K388 and Dvorak's wind serenade (see 20th
Sept 03, below) also included the rarity of Haydn's Notturno No. 1 in C by
Haydn. This is improbably scored for 2 recorders, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2
violas, 'cello and bass.
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12th Oct 2003 - 7:15pm - The Incredible String Band
Nottingham Arts Theatre, George St, Nottingham
After a fairly awful support act the ISB demonstrated that they are
still going after all these years - with Mike Heron's voice not changed (ie not
improved) and with that all pervading air(e) of cloudiness proving an aquired
taste for some members of the audience.
Hidden beneath all this was a classic example of a varied programme
played with lots of dynamic range and with rhythmic and administrative
tightness - a lesson many of the present day bands could learn from.
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11th Oct 2003 - 7:30pm - The Cambridge Orchestra - Darrell Davison -
Martin Sturfalt (piano)
University Concert Hall, West Road, Cambridge
Roger Swann = horn
Some good individual playing in Stravinsky's Rite of Spring - notably
from Graham Dolby on bassoon, the alto flute playing of a lady uncredited in
the otherwise excellent concert programme and Guy Llewellyn playing principal
horn.
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7th Oct 2003 - 7:45pm - London Sinfonietta - Diego Masson
The Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London
An evening dedicated to the music of Iannis Xenakis started with the
characteristicaly virtuosic drumming in Okho (for three djembes) from David
Hockings, Richard Benjafield and Joby Burgess.
It was typical of a London Sinfonietta concert that the inclusion of
two excerpts from the BBC film "Something Rich and Strange" about Xenakis
seemed a natural and cohesive extension to the evening.
Another of the many highlights was "M'Shima" featuring the singing (?)
of Linda Hirst and Hilary Summers taking on (and beating) two horns and two
trombones.
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5th Oct 2003 - 5:30pm - COMA Concert
The Djanogly Receital Hall, Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham
University
Roger Swann = horn
A typically varied COMA mix, from the peaceful opening piece FeldMusic
by Stephen Chase (played with sensitivity and delicacy by COMA yorkshire
(director John Habron)) through to a floor shaking dose of Charles Ive's "Gyp
the Blood" or Hearst!? Which is Worst?! (played with absolutely no sensitivity
or delicacy by COMA Allcomers under the direction of Dave Smith).
Dave Smith furthered his contribution with his imaginative response to
the Ives piece: Murdoch or Fred West - which is Best? (Reconsidered) - which
the COMA Allcomers had enjoyed working at during the afternoon workshop.
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4th Oct 2003 - 7:45pm - Houghton Music Club Concert
The Methodist Chapel, Houghton-on-the-Hill, Leics
Roger Swann = horn and conductor <not at the same time>
The strings of the Houghton Philharmonic Symphonic Assembly Using
Children and Elders revelled in the chance to shine alone (playing for the
first time as a string orchestra). They created a good 'English' sound at the
right moments in Hubert Parry's "Lady Radnor Suite".
The generous accoustic of the chapel made the Houghton Singers
(directed by Helen Noble) sound pleasingly resonant, and also suited the warm
round sound of Sophie Hull in her solo bassoon spot.
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27th Sept 2003 - 7:30pm - Rutland Sinfonia - Peter Wadl
Uppingham Theatre, Uppingham, Rutland
Roger Swann = horn
In his first outing as the musical director of Rutland Sinfonia, Peter
Wadl showed the pleasure he gets from molto rubbato. In many cases the
orchestra enjoyed the changes of tempo too! The band are clearly looking
forward to working with him in the future.
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21st Sept 2003 - 8:00pm - Receital - Robert Parker (horn) - Antony
Clare (piano)
The Great Hall, Southwell Minster, Southwell, Notts.
Playing on four different instruments each chosen to match the period
of the piece performed, Robert Parker demonstrated a sound technical background
and impressive embochure stamina.
The sound of the F single horn with rotary valves made by Jos. Schrott
worked especially well in Franz Strauss' Nocturneo Op 7.
Antony Clare accompanied with great awareness (and a mean technique)
throughout.
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20th Sept 2003 - 7:30pm - Avondale Ensemble - Barry Collett
St Firmin's Church, Thurlby, Lincs
Roger Swann = horn
St Firmin's Church has plenty of space for the thirteen piece Avondale
Ensemble and provided the perfect accoustic for the concert.
Some good swing clarinet from Andy Cotton and (as ever) a solid bottom
end from Sarah Brookman on Contrabassoon
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