Positive Points about Selected Concerts - 1999/2000
Autumn 1999 to Summer 2000 (end of the season = "last night of the
proms")
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5th Sept 2000 - 10:00 pm, Sinfonia 21 - Martyn Brabbins - Rolf Hind
(piano)
BBC Prom 68 - Royal Albert Hall, London
Stockhausen's Kreuzspiel set the tone of the evening with some precise
percussion playing and pleasingly nasty interjections from the bass clarinet
and oboe.
The highlight was Gerard Grisey's Partiels in which Sinfonia 21 brought
out the wide range of colours in the score and showed exactly how to carry off
the over theatrical ending.
Rolf Hind as ever demonstrated the depth of his technique in Ligeti's
Piano Concerto - but the overall balance sometimes meant that his efforts were
somewhat masked.
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28th Aug 2000 - Afternoon, Helix Ensemble Chamber Music - Part of South
Croxton Arts Festival
The church of South Croxton, Leics.
Roger Swann = horn.
A packed house (with the organisers efficiently adding additional
seating at the rear to accommodate late comers) heard the Helix Ensemble play a
varied programme (Teleman to Arnold).
One or two shaky moments did not detract significantly from the quality
of the presentation. A very successful event bringing some rarely performed
pieces to the attention of a wide ranging audience.
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27th Aug 2000 - 9:00 pm, Esmond Selwyn (guitar) with Bill Coleman
(bass) + Alan Savage (drums).
Caramba Bar, Braunstone Gate.
Very tidy playing with copious ultra high speed runs played fluently
and cleanly made this many cuts above average "background" music jazz. Bill
Coleman as ever impressed on the bass. Not too many drum solos.
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27th July 2000 - 10:00 pm, The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group +
European Voices - Thomas Ades
BBC Prom 18 - Royal Albert Hall, London
BCMG sounding under control throughout a taxing program. Wide variety
of colour and mood projected in Kurt Weill's Berlin Requiem (with HK Gruber and
Garry Magee taking solo roles).
The Berciuse elegiaque by Busoni (arr Stein) was played very tenderly
and constrained and got the concert off to an atmospheric start.
Varese evidently struggled to integrate two ondes martenots into an
orchestral sound in Ecuatorial but it was interesting to hear BCMG working at
this task.
Gerald Barry's Wiener Blut was well orchestrated but structured in such
severely separate blocks that it left this listener puzzled as to the direction
of the piece. But it did have very hoopy horn parts.
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15th July 2000 - 7:45 pm, The Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Paul
Hilliam - Alessandra Testai (Soprano)
Grand Firework Concert: Gardens of Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse,
Leics.
Alessandra Testai lent a touch of class to the evening, sounding
beautifully fresh in Cantaloube's Songs from the Auvergne.
Paul Hilliam did a fine job throughout. The four trumpeters from the
Coldstream Guards joining the orchestra for the Post Horn Galop by Koenig
sounded splendid.
Good fireworks.
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14th July 2000 - 7:30 pm, Leicestershire Choral - Jonathan
Tilbrook
All Saints Church, Cossington
(Roger Swann = Horn in horn quartet forming a support act)
Jonathan Tilbrook started the concert by announcing that the
Leicestershire Choral were "one of - if not the" premier chamber choirs in
Leicestershire". They then proceeded to show us their true standard.
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8th July 2000 - 7:30 pm, Derby Concert Orchestra - Jonathan Trout - Roy
Theaker (violin)
St Mary's Church, Wirksworth
(Roger Swann = Horn in Mahler)
Respighi's version of Bach's Passacaglia in D Minor (which would have
been still more reverberating with the use of a pipe organ rather than an
electronic counterpart) was good and loud.
The orchestra demonstrated it's commitment to bold programming with a
very creditable performance of Berg's magnificent Violin Concerto. The
occasional slight rhythmic disagreements detracted only slightly from Roy
Theaker's technically accomplished and musically lyrical interpretation. The
piece was deservedly greeted with enthusiastic applause from certain quarters
of a good sized audience.
The second half consisted of an enthusiastic if somewhat unrefined
rendering of Mahler's Symphony No. 1.
The programme advertised for next season includes Judith Weir's
"Natural History" (3/3/200) and Scriabin's Piano Concerto (7/7/2001) - further
demonstrating that quality amateur orchestras can take on a valuable role in
the promotion of less frequently heard pieces.
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4th July 2000 - 7:00 pm, Leicestershire Arts in Education Summer
Festival Concert
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester
The Festival Windband got the event off to an exiting start with
Starflight by Ralph Gingery conducted by a sparkling Jo Conquest.
Christina Warner produced a characteristically charismatic performance
encouraging the youngsters of the beginner strings group to give there all in a
ten minute spot played completely from memory.
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1st July 2000 - 7:30 pm, University of Leicester Sinfonia -
Michael Sackin - James Arnold (Trumpet)
Fraser Noble Building, London Road, Leicester
Roger Swann = Horn
A good programme choice with three less common works from the early
classical period followed by one of Mozart's great symphonies (No 38, K504,
"Prague").
The strings brought some pleasing phrasing to Leopold Mozart's Symphony
in G Major. James Arnold produced some faultless (high) playing in Leopold
Mozart's D Major Trumpet Concerto (which was easily the least distinguished
composition of the evening).
Especially enjoyable rombustious bassoon playing (Paul Sacking &
Jerry Heal) in Michael Haydn's Symphony in G Maj, P. 16.
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30th June 2000 - 7:30 pm, Countesthorpe College Chorus, Chamber Choir
& Orchestra
St Andrews Church, Countesthorpe, Leics.
Roger Swann = Horn
The chamber choir tackled an ambitious programme (Finzi, Byrd and
Villiers-Standford) with good dynamic contrast, full tone and better than
reasonable intonation. The enthusiasm of all singers under the direction of
Giles Turner was obvious to all members of the audience.
Tom Hewins gave a polished performance of the Vaughan Williams Tuba
Concerto - he has a consistent rounded tone throughout the complete range of
the instrument which especially suited the many lyrical passages in the work.
Will Welsford managed to hold the orchestra in synch for the majority of the
piece.
An over-capacity audience then heard Giles Turner conducting the full
chorus and orchestra in Mozart's Requiem. This was made all the more enjoyable
coming as it did immediately after a refreshing glass (or 2) of Lynn Barker's
Fruit Punch.
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25th June 2000 - 7:30 pm, Summer Seranade (Malcolm Sargent Trust)
Garden of Jim Roberts, Narborough, Leics.
Roger Swann = Horn
The air temperature meant that the cold rough pinot griccio tasted even
colder and rougher.
The Bardi Wind Soloists presented a somewhat routine run through of
Mozart's Grand Partita Seranade (K361) with the clarinets and basset horns
sounding even a shade less than routine.
The Kingfisher Chorale produced a varied programme and deservedly held
the attention of the audience as the temperature plummeted still further.
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25th June 2000 - 3:00 pm, Houghton Music Club Summer Outdoor
Concert
Black Horse Beer Garden, Houghton on the Hill.
The Horizons Wind Quintet played with precision and wit - fine Jazz
solo from Julian Haslam (horn). Their talents were somewhat wasted in the
socialy convivial but accoustically unhelpful environment of the beer
garden.
The Houghton Singers also performed and were ably accompanied by
enthusiastic victory calls from the immediate neighbours: The Black Horse
Petanqe Team.
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24th June 2000 - 7:30 pm, Colin Conquest Memorial Concert
Unitarian Meeting Hall, Bury-St-Edmunds, Suffolk.
Roger Swann = Horn
Jo Conquest played the Poulenc Flute Sonata with agility, grace and
poise, working well with the sensitive accompaniment of Nêst Harris. A
slightly nervy rendering of Cherubini's Horn Sonata No. 2 by the reviewer was
followed by some further high quality performances from Colin Conquest's grand
children, Sarah, Lyndsey and Nicola.
John and Jeff gave us some great swing on the jazz piano and drums,
including a quite unique interpretation of "Take 5" with Jeff stoically
maintaining 6 beats to the bar.
For the grand finale John and Jeff were joined by Andrew 'Nat King'
Conquest (no further comment necessary).
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16th June 2000 - 7:30 pm, Murdered to Death - Mainstreet Theatre
Company
Village Hall, Great Glen, Leics.
Directors Simon Harwood and Sylvia Tyler had coaxed some very acute
characterisations from a talented and enthusiastic cast - The result was that
the wit in Peter Gordon's pleasing play had the audience laughing out loud from
start to finish.
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10th June 2000 - 7:30 pm, Rutland Sinfonia / City of Leicester Singers
- Barry Collett / Richard Archer
Leicester Cathedral
Roger Swann = horn
Agnes Vesterman ('cello) gave an expressive account of Schumann's
'cello concerto - enjoying the scope for rubato to the full.
Richard Archer directed a rather ponderous account of the Brahms
Requiem which taxed the concentration of the orchestra (and, one suspects, the
audience).
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2nd June 2000 - 8:00 pm, Gary Burton (vibraphone) + Makoto
Ozone (Piano)
Charles Hotel, Cambridge, Boston, MA.
A superb demonstration of precision and unanimity between the two
performers. Really working as a well oiled machine. Gary Burton allowing some
sensitive relaxed playing to really move the appreciative audience.
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1st June 2000 - 8:00 pm, New York Philharmonic Orchestra -
Kurt Masur
Avery Fisher Hall - Lincoln Center, Manhatten.
Mahler's 9th Symphony proved (as ever) a challenging test
for the orchestra.
Definitely a case of the individual parts being greater than the total
sum. Hard but very uniform string sound with the violas situated front of stage
adjacent to the Double Basses. Horns sounded like very talented Euphoniums. A
fascinating performance rather than a gripping one.
The New York audience certainly know how to cough.
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31st May 2000 - 8:00 pm, Miss Saigon
Broadway Theatre, 1618 Broadway, Manhatten.
Fine singing from the two Saigon lead roles Luoyong Wang and Melinda
Chua.
Just loved the helicopter!
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30th May 2000 - 8:00 pm, Chicago
Sam S Shubert Theatre, 225 West 44th St, Manhatten.
Amazing legs. Superb growling trumpet. Wonderful string bass doubling
tuba.
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24th May 2000 - 7:30 pm, Fiddler on the Roof - Grease Paint Productions
(Producer Shane Perry)
Loughborough Town Hall, Leics.
Fine stage production continually flitting between the comic and the
poignant. Mark Chinnery gave his best performance yet as Tevye and his quality
acting was matched by all the remaining lead roles.
The band played well under the direction of Jonathan Orton (overlooking
one or two brief moments of excruciating intonation). Especially enjoyable
atmospheric mandolin playing from Milovan Jelic.
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20th May 2000 - 7:30 pm, Prof. Pandit Debu Chaudhuri + Prateek
Chaudhuri (sitar)
St Andrew's Church, Lyddington.
Absolutely outstanding sitar playing with father and son playfully
echoing each other's improvisations during the Raga Bihag.
The concert concluded with some enjoyable folk tunes from
Bangladesh.
The top quality sitar playing was matched by superb tabla from a player
not credited in the programme.
Classical Indian music performances of this standard are exceedingly
difficult to find in India and the event was therefore all the more unexpected
in the slightly incongruous surrounds of St Andrews Church. Full marks to the
enterprising "Music at Lyddington" committee.
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14th May 2000 - 7:30 pm, Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra - Jonathan
Butcher + Simon Blendis (violin)
St John's, Smith Square.
Another splendid performance of Barber's Violin Concerto (see Bardi
Orchestra Concert of 6/5/2000). Some excellent clarinet playing.
Elgar's First Symphony was given a stately performance with the
orchestra enjoying the wide sweeps of Elgars magnificent themes.
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13th May 2000 - 7:30 pm, Rutland Sinfonia - Barry Collett
Oakham Methodist Church.
Roger Swann = horn.
Mozart's E flat Wind Serenade (K375) and Dvorak's Wind Seranade (Op 44)
formed the basis for a pleasing summer evenings concert which made a fitting
end to a warm sunny day.
These works were supported by some flamboyantly fingered flute duets
played with impressive unanimity by Jo Conquest and Karen Morse, a couple of
works for 'cello and piano played with ultra secure intonation by Racheol
Sierra and Saint-Saens' "The Elephant" (Carnival of the Animals) played by the
type cast Clinton Ingrams (Double Bass).
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6th May 2000 - 7:30pm, The Bardi
Symphony Orchestra - Andrew Constantine + Jonathan Carney (violin)
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester.
Roger Swann = horn.
An ambitious programme tackled with energy. Good to hear the quality
strings of the orchestra have a chance to shine on their own (which they took)
in the Barber Adagio for Strings.
Jonathan Carney gave a technically stunning performance of the final
movement of the Barber violin concerto which was matched by most (but not all)
members of the orchestra. There was some beautifully restrained lyrical playing
by the soloist in the first two movements too.
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3rd May 2000: 7:30pm - The Threepenny Opera - Clwyd Theatr Cymru
Chellaston School, Derby.
A very impressive display of versatility with all actors proving to be
consummate musicians and performing the whole score from memory.
The concept of a travelling theatre bringing the complete set including
lighting rig and audience seating and then performing to such a dynamic
standard must be saluted. Perhaps someone in England should follow suit?
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14th April 2000: 8:00pm - Tango Passion
DeMontfort Hall, Leicester.
Very slick dancing by all on stage - living up to the title without any
problem! Superb tango band very much in the Astor Piazzola tradition - and they
looked like they really loved every minute of what they were doing.
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10th April 2000 - 7:30pm Philharmonia Orchestra - Hugh Wolff - Steven
Isserlis ('cello)
De Montfort Hall - Leicester.
Some fine top register playing by Steven Isserlis in Woolrich's 'Cello
Concerto. The piece seemed an exercise in stark contrasts (mainly loud and
soft) with some strident orchestral chords very reminiscent of Alexander
Gohr.
It would have been good to hear America's Hugh Wolff conduct some
American repertoire.
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8th April 2000 - 7:30 DeMontfort Hall - Leicester
Bardi Orchestra Conductor: Andrew Constantine. 'Cello: Leonid
Gorokhov
(Roger Swann = Horn).
Leonid Gorokhov gave a more gentle (perhaps more "English"?)
interpretation of the Elgar 'cello concerto than some of his previous
performances of this piece with the Bardi.
Andrew Constantine's carefully paced rendition of the first movement of
Shostakovich's Lenningrad Symphony (no 7) deserves special merit. If you are
only as loud as your last performance then the Bardi orchestra can safely say
that they are loud!
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5th April 2000 - 7:30pm Vaganza (Northern Sinfonia Contemporary
Music)
with Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian Pipes)
DeMontfort Hall - Leicester
Kathryn Tickell's Lordenshaws proved to be an accomplished piece
eloquently getting away from the harmonic limitations of an instrument with
drone pipes. Certainly left one interested to hear her next composition.
John Casken's Piper's Linn combined the Northumbrian Pipes with
pre-recorded tape of sounds made by the same instrument but then modified using
analogue recording techniques. The result had a somewhat dated effect
reminiscent of BBC Radiophonic Workshop music of the 60s.
It was marvellous to hear exiting performances of Stravinsky's Ragtime,
Messiaen's Sept Haikai and Adam's Chamber Symphony - all of which pushed
Vaganza to their technical limit.
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3rd April 2000 - 7:30pm Leicester Operatic Players - La Belle Helene -
Jacques Offenbach
The Little Theatre - Leicester
Played with just the right amount of wit - not too subtle, but wise
enough not to reduce Offenbach's sensitive writing to a slapstick farce - the
show gave a good chance for male cast members to show some amazingly
unattractive hairy limbs. All the title roles were sung accurately and with
panache.
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1st April 2000 - 8:00pm Jenny's Chickens - Houghton Music Club Barn
Dance
Houghton On The Hill, Leics.
Owing to the ULSa concert (see below) the reviewer did not arrive until
10:25pm - at which point the joint was really humming - some of the best
to-the-limit jokes told by Simon-the-caller had been missed (but were duly
repeated).
The four piece band ably led by Jenny and Andy provided a fine backdrop
for the ungainly bouncing that seems to constitute a successful barn
dance!
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1st April 2000 - 8:00pm University of Leicester Sinfonia
Church of St John the Baptist, Leicester
(Roger Swann = horn)
Peter Crump's Concerto for Flute and Oboe seemed to meander a little in
the first movement (perhaps needed more dynamic contrasts) but had a suitably
brooding slow movement and a sprightly finale.
Alison Print gave a technically accomplished performance of Mozarts A
Maj violin concerto (K219). A sound foundation on which to develop some more
sophisticated musical ideas as she progresses through Trinity College.
Playing in the warm acoustic of St John's in March also means playing
in the cold drafty temperature of St John's. This may be used as an excuse for
the particularly varied wind intonation in an energetic rendering of
Beethoven's Seventh Symphony.
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29th March 2000 - 7:30 CBSO - Simon Rattle - Tasmin Little
(violin)
Symphony Hall - Birmingham
One might question Ligeti's sense of balance during the opening
movement of his violin concerto but Tasmin Little showed the following four
movements off a treat. Lovely orchestral colour from the ocarina players.
Surrounded by two world premiers (Henze - A Tempest and Holt - Sunrise' Yellow
Noise) the Ligeti showed it's class.
The concert was rounded off by Tippett's The Rose Lake which
demonstrated his superb orchestration technique - (with excellent writing for
six horns).
Simon Rattle gave a brief but moving speech acknowledging the support
of orchestra and audience throughout the decade of the "Towards the Millennium"
festival - of which this was the last Birmingham concert.
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26th March 2000 - 7:30 The Band of HM Royal Marines
DeMontfort Hall - Leicester
Amazingly tight percussion playing. Spectacular regimental drumming and
bugling.
All the marches and orchestral re-arrangements showed the band off a
treat - it is a pity that they have to play so much "Rule Brittania type Musak"
which can get a little tedious.
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25th March 2000 - 7:30 Rutland Sinfonia - Barry Collett
Cathedral of Our Lady & St Thomas - Northampton
(Roger Swann = horn)
A magnificent evening enjoyed by all performers and a capacity
audience. - Barry Collett doing what he does best namely getting musical
friends together (in this case a few hundred of them) to perform Elgar.
Peter Wedd was outstanding as Gerontius as were fellow soloists Rose
Bellingham (mezzo) and Simon Theobald (bass).
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18th March 2000 - 7:45 Charnwood Orchestra - Nic Fallowfield - Charles
Owen (piano).
Emmanuel Church - Loughborough
Charles Owen played the Schuman A minor piano concerto with sensitivity
and the orchestra coped admirably with the tricky cross rhythms in the last
movement.
Some good dynamics in Dvorak's 7th Symphony.
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17th March 2000 - 7:45 Houghton Music Club - Rodney Newman Memorial
Concert.
Village Hall - Houghton on the Hill
(Roger Swann = conductor - HP Sauce)
Good playing from members of Houghton School. HP Sauce played well in
the more straightforward pieces but just lost the edge whilst accompanying the
excellent Rebecca Ogden (flute) and Melanie Keene (oboe) in Holst's Fugal
Concerto.
The world premier of Fiona Chamberlain's "Five Cameos" - Performed by
Fiona (violin), Sarah (violin + flute) and Hannah ('cello + oboe) Chamberlain
(with a small contribution from Jo Conquest) demonstrated Fiona's good ear for
contrapuntal development. The audience responded with justifiably enthusiastic
applause.
The combination of HP Sauce and Hougton Singers performing Verdi and
Ralph Vaughan Williams ensured that the concert finished with a stirring
climax.
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15th March 2000 - 7:30 Lindsay String Quartet
Fraser Noble Building Leicester
First half performances of Beethoven Op 18 No 6 and Op 59 No 2 both
seemed a little scrappy.
The second half consisted of Beethoven's Op 135 quartet which was
played with significantly more precision and accurate intonation. A beautifully
judged slow movement emphasised how the Lindsay's have established their
reputation.
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11th March 00 - 8:00pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs -
Produced by Chris Wragge
Felsham Village Hall, Suffolk.
A marvellous script (Paul Marden) allowed Napoleon and two ugly sisters
to take their rightful places in this evergreen fairy tale. Lyndsey Conquest
made a (now deceptively) innocent Snow White and Mike Davis offered graceful
support as Zips. The two ugly sisters (Roy Proctor and Andrew Conquest)
performed as if they were auditioning for "Crackerjack" [they would have passed
with flying colours].
The music was in the safe hands of Agnes Robson and Bill "Luv that
bass" Woodbridge.
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9th March 00 - 7:30pm CBSO - Conductor Sir Simon Rattle
Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
Magneus Lindberg's Gran Duo provided a colourful juxtaposition between
wind and brass - but lacked a sense of direction.
Mark-Anthony Turnage's Blood on the Floor showed how difficult it is to
merge jazz and classical writing. And it had yet another tedious kit drum
solo.
A good concert to have at the end of the "Towards the Millenium" series
- it shows that at the start of the 21st Century music is
floundering whilst looking for a new voice. Question - is the western youth of
today capable of providing that voice are they all too busy watching TV?
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4th March 00 - 7:00pm CBSO - Conductor Sir Simon Rattle
Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
Bach's Brandenburg No. 1 taken with very fast tempos throughout - not
being frightened of asking for (and getting) some aggressive sounds in places.
The speed of the oboe/horn trio in the final minuet taxed even the faultless
technique of Hugh Seenan. A thought provoking interpretation....
Haydn's rarely performed Symphony No 71 was a gem with perfect woodwind
balance and witty style and tempo changes.
Sir Simon showed is intimate and complete knowledge of Strauss' Ein
Heldenleben by conducting without a score and bringing out lots of tiny details
within the glorious orchestral colour. This may have been at the expense of an
overall consideration of the piece. The CBSO sounded like an almost world class
orchestra being made to sound world class in the hands of one of their
favourite directors.
The main event was followed by a welcome "free concert" performance of
Judith Weir's recent "Unlocked" for solo 'cello. The five movements based on
USA folk tunes were varied and formed a pleasing suite in the capable hands of
Ulrich Heinen.
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24th Feb 00 - 8:00pm Klangforum Wien - Conductor Sylvian Cambreling +
Rosemary Hardy (Sop).
Teatro Alhambra, Granada.
The orchestra improved in accuracy and style through the three pieces.
The first (Wolfgang Rihm's "Verborgene Formen") would have benefited from
better agreement on the placing of tricky rhythms. It left one with the
impression that the piece lacked direction. This was not the case with Rihm's
"Gejagte Form" which moved from dark chords to striking rhythms in a coherent
manner.
Rosemary Hardy brought out the best from the group with her dynamic
performance of Gyorgy Kurtag's "Mensajes de la difunta Senorita R V
Troussova".
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19th Feb 00 - 7:30pm Proteus Chamber Orchestra - Conductor Anthony
Pither + Archduke Trio
Fraser Noble Hall, Leicester
(Roger Swann = Horn).
A splendid vigorous musical interpretation of Beethoven's Eroica
Symphony by Anthony Pither encouraged some solid string tone and playing
towards the best of their ability from the wind sections. Tidy principle flute
playing.
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14th Feb 00 - 8:00 Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba -
Rumbadelica
DeMontfort Hall Leicester
Fine guitar playing (Alejandro Moreira) and competent and slick dancing
throughout. The whole event appeared academically well researched and was
carefully put together to provide a very broad overview of Cuban dance roots.
The end product somehow seemed like a very impressive living museum display
rather than a fully spirited night of dance.
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12th Feb 00 - 7:45 Leicester Symphony Orchestra
DeMontfort Hall Leicester - Conductor: Roland Melia - Violin: Rolf
Wilson
Bantock's "The Sea Reivers" proved almost as stormy an opening as the
Flying Dutchman used to open the LSO's previous DeMontfort Hall concert - an
excellent programme choice well performed. Rolf Wilson played with good tone
and faultless intonation in the Bruch G minor (surprising to see that he chose
to read from sheet music). Mahler 5 was given an exiting rendition with good
playing from many sections. Special recognition must go to Jonathan Thompson
(first trumpet).
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11th Feb 2000 - 7:15 Opera North - Britten: A Midsummer Night's
Dream
Theatre Royal - Nottingham
Curious opera which sparkles throughout but has no "blood and guts"
scenes. Performed with delicacy and style on a fairly minimal set with
carefully considered lighting.
The very competent orchestra had some especially silky smooth string
tone. Conductor: Steven Sloane
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9th Feb 2000 - 7:30 Lindsay String Quartet
Fraser Noble Building Leicester
Bright and perky Beethoven Op 18 No. 4 and a passionate and gutsy Op
130 (including a gritty [positive sense] Grosse Fuge Op 133) were separated by
a performance of the Op 74 'Harp' quartet which seemed less musically
satisfying - particularly the first movement. Good audience size.
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5th Feb 2000 - 7:30 DeMontfort Hall - Leicester
(Roger Swann = Horn).
A packed hall heard the Bardi Orchestra in top form (some minor
intonation problems in the brass and horns excepted). The percussion section
played accurately. Richard Mead produced some sensitive tuba solos in
Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliette. Adam Summerhayes played the delicate fiddle
solos with style, warm tone and faultless intonation.
Piers Lane gave a relaxed account of the Rachmaninov Paganni
Variations.
Andrew Constantine's direction of the Orchestra was dynamic and
inspiring without ever becoming tasteless.
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29th Jan 2000 7:30pm - The Loughborough Orchestra - Holy Trinity Church
- Barrow upon Soar
Conductor Liz Thomas, Horn Simon Marshall
A gutsy performance of Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony (particularly
stately slow movement) was preceded by Strauss Horn Concerto No 1 in which
Simon Marshall made things more challenging by playing a little below the pitch
of the orchestra. The orchestra coped admirably with a highly taxing
programme.
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14th Dec 99 "David Starobin (Guitar) with George Crumb" - 7:30 pm -
Dianogly Recital Hall, Nottingham
Robert Saxton's Miniature Dance for a Marionette Rabbi was played with
a spikey tongue in cheek humour. "Shard" by Elliott Carter sounded as if it
would repay further hearings. George Crumb added some stylish percussion in his
own Mundis Canis (A Dogs World) to round off the evening.
A glass of Las Lillas 1997 (Malbec / Sangiovese) from Argentina was
noticeably better than the average red wine one gets served at these kinds of
concerts (Bravo!).
More informative programme notes on the contemporary pieces played
would have been appreciated - particularly the textual passages written by
George Crumb giving some background to the five dogs which inspired the five
movements of his work. Claiming world and UK premiers when the same programme
was performed by the same artists the previous evening elsewhere in the UK is
slightly dubious!
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10th Dec 99 "Lost and Found" - 7:30 pm - Bushloe High School Ensembles
Directed by Paula Gangar & Veronica Fletcher
Bushloe High School - Wigston, Leics.
A slickly presented first half of musical items. Especially enjoyable
string ensemble arrangement of Away in a Manger (Solo Soprano: Charlotte
Bond).
The second half was an epic stage production of "Lost and Found"
written and produced with sensitivity and skill by Paula Gangar and performed
with great enthusiasm by a large cast. Bushloe High School band has even
managed to find that elusive animal: a drummer who watches the conductor.
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6th Dec 99 LOROS Carol Concert - 7:30pm Musicamici/Tudor
Choir/Langham School Choir etc.
Cathedral of St Martins - Leicester.
(Roger Swann = horn)
Langham Primary School Choir (directed by Peter Nelmes) gave a
thoroughly professional performance - in tune and a smooth homogenous sound.
The Tudor Choir were polished and slick too.
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30th Nov 99 - 7:30pm London Community Gospel Choir
De Montfort Hall - Leicester.
A complete first half of very second rate support got the event off to
a poor start. When LCGC finally made it on stage one suspected there was some
reasonable quality singing from the main block of vocalists but for well over
90% of the time they were overpowered by a dull, monotonous and insensitive
rhythm and drums section. They succeeded in making the meaningless lyrics sung
incessantly seem interminable (compare with Black Voices - 25/11/99).
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29th Nov 99 - 7:30pm DeMontort University Orchestra & Chorus -
Conductor David Lawrence
St Mary de Castro Church, Leicester
(Roger Swann = horn)
Unusually large number of cuts meant that Haydn's The Seasons wasn't
quite it's usual tour de force.
The electronic keyboard was as graceful a continuo as an electronic
keyboard can be. The flugal horn made a pleasing if somewhat incongruous
sound.
The ship was reliably steered by David Lawrence.
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28th Nov 99 - 7:30pm Leicester University Sinfonia
Fraser Noble Hall, Leicester
(Roger Swann = horn)
Michael Sackin inspired some pleasing contrasts in style - especially
in the menuetto/trio of the Haffner Symphony. Sebastian Millett gave a very
sturdy and powerfully romantic performance of Haydn's D major 'cello concerto -
with an especially convincing cadenza in the first movement (attributed to
Maurice Gendron).
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25th Nov 99 - 7:30pm Black Voices
Victorian Art Gallery - Leicester Museum.
Some outstanding a cappella singing from the characteristically slick
Black Voices. Classic gospel songs such as "in the room at the top" where the
same meaningless lyrics are sung incessantly were made to sound like works of
art! Pity the CDs at £13 each are a bit expensive.
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22nd Nov 99 - 7:30pm London Sinfonietta
Haywood Gallery - SBC London
A quite outstanding series of performances given by wind players drawn
from the London Sinfonietta.
All five works were played with virtuosic accuracy without any comprise
of musical expression. Startlingly exiting. The Ligetti Ten Pieces for Wind
Quintet demonstrated the ensemble expertise too. The extended techniques
required for the Quintettino No 2 (Salvatore Sciarrino) were used with complete
conviction.
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21st Nov 99 - 7:30pm Philharmonia Orchestra
De Montfort Hall - Leicester.
Whoopy horns in the Sinfonia Domestica (Strauss). The orchestra played
as if they were enjoying the music (or perhaps enjoying the direction of
Maestro Ashkenazy).
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20th Nov 99 - 7:30pm Proteus Chamber Orchestra - Roger Swann
(horn)
Fraser Noble Hall, Leicester
The world premier of the Horn Concerto by Anthony Pither. A substantial
piece written during the summer of 1999 following encouragement from Roger
Swann. The work is inspired by, and draws ideas from, Beethoven's Op 110 piano
sonata - but has the unmistakable stamp of the composer. Lasting for
approximately 20 minutes, a standard sized orchestra is put through a series of
interesting time changes - with the horn part (discounting an exciting opening
flourish) playing a less significant role during the early sections but
becoming increasingly active as the music progresses.
The work was well received by a large and enthusiastic audience. A
piece well worth subsequent performances. For more information email:
roger@cigol.com
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19th Nov 99 - 8:00pm Edward II
DeMontfort Hall Leicester
Edward II's final gig (but one suspects there will be a re-union!).
They do have a fine combination of Irish and Reggae with some funky melodeon
solos. The sound engineer must take some blame for the vocals being inaudible
throughout the evening.
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13th Nov 99 - 7:30 Broomleys Choral Society
Holy Cross Church - Whitick - Leics
Dir: Brian Humpherson
(Roger Swann = Horn)
John Rutter's Requiem was given a characteristically sentimental
performance - with some smooth and sensitive flute playing from Karen
Hardy.
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11th Nov 99 - 7:45 Leicester Symphony Orchestra
DeMontfort Hall Leicester - Dir: Roland Melia
Good windswept opening with Wagner's Flying Dutchman Overture. Fine
singing by Geraint Dodd and Alessandra Testai. Good string sound in the
Thaikovsky Eugene Onegin Waltz and Polonaise.
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10th Nov 99 - 7:30 Lindsay String Quartet
Fraser Noble Building Leicester
Especially tense performance of Beethoven Op 127 in E flat. The blend
of the second violin and the viola is very sound. Some strikingly accurate
openings.
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6th Nov 99 - 8:30pm Eglise reforme Paris-Luxembourg - Paris
Concert Par L'Octuor Georges Onslow
Interesting to see (and hear) the competitive approach to tuning
between the violinist and the clarinettist in the Humel Clarinet quartet.
Enjoyable violin playing in the Spohr Nonet op. 31.
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6th Nov 99 - 6:00pm Salle O. Messiaen - Radio France - Paris
Hommage a Claude Vivier - Les Jeunes Soloists
Dir: Rachid Safir.
Radio France hall marred by background hum (fan?) noise. Excellent
singing and some very interesting works. Good laughing and coughing in the Love
Songs for 7 acapella voices.
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30th Oct 99 - 8:30pm Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge
Conductor Liz Fleming, Horn Alison Butcher
Echoing acoustic helped hide the shortage of string players. Mozart
K417 played by AB with some panache.
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29th Oct 99 - 7:45pm Houghton School
Conductor Roger Swann - HP Sauce (leader Christine King)
Crowded audience meant it was hot. Copious violins made a warm string
sound - helped by solid cello section. Good jazz solos from Will Smith, Alan
Herringshaw, Fiona + Sarah Chamberlin and Tom Hull.
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26th Oct 99 - 7:30 Burton on Trent Opera Society
"Chess" - MD: David Blackwell.
Fine band if a little enthusiastic. Good attempt at the extremely high
part of Freddy Trumper!
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23rd Oct 99 - 7:30 DeMontfort Hall - Leicester
Conductor: Andrew Constantine.
(Roger Swann = Horn).
High quality heavy brass playing - even if modern instruments result in
a balance that Berlioz would not have intended. Why do the percussion section
always drop something in the GP bars?
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16th Oct 99 - 7:30 Loughborough University - Leics
Helix Ensemble - Directed by David Lawrence
(Roger Swann = Horn)
Superb performance of Shostakovitch Piano Quintet - lots of guts,
energy and tension.
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