News Update
Concert Review by Jane DicksonA good sized audience was treated to a stimulating early spring tonic by this excellent concert. Things we have come to take for granted in Sinfonietta performances were well in evidence, good programme planning, the high quality, informative printed programme notes, and above all the outstanding leadership and beautiful playing of Mary Eade, inspiring a full range of colour and dynamic to each composition. Opening with a sensitive performance of Elgar's Serenade for Strings, we then heard the bassoon in Spohr's Adagio for bassoon and strings, with Martin Gatt as outstanding soloist. A beautifully shaped performance by Mary of Beethoven's enigmatic Romance in F for Violin and Strings, made a change of tonal colour before Martin was joined by Colin Parr ( clarinet), in an arrangement of Beethoven's Trio op11 .To hear two such famous soloists, obviously well used to working together was a rare privilege.Just two works formed the second half, Elgar's Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra Op 62 (Arranged by Martin Gatt), and Tschaikovsky's magnificent Serenade for Strings. The Elgar with its beautifully written part for the bassoon, made us realise its unique sound, which together with that of the viola, was largely drowned out in the symphonic writing of the 19th century. A memorable concert in every way which makes us look forward to the Summer Suites concert in St James Church Taunton on Saturday 23 June 7.30pm. Jane Dickson. |