Forum Theatre, Malvern – 21st September 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Malvern Concert Club always gives us the very best in music, new talent and established stars in their field and tonight was no exception with the wonderful Quatuor Van Kuijk joined by classical guitarist of the moment Sean Shibe.
Opening the evening was Vierne’s String Quartet in D minor (1894). The work has that early 20th century sense of drama and melancholy. I particularly enjoyed the slow movement that can’t seem to make up its mind if it is agitated or calm but is always engaging. The players gave us muscular tutti moments coupled with light, filigree tripping figures which brilliantly brought the music to life. Not a work I was familiar with but it was obvious the quartet had an affinity and love for the material – the introductory speech set out their stall of presenting unjustly neglected French music to a wider audience. They certainly did that and gained another convert tonight. Shaun Shibe joined the quartet for Boccherini’s Guitar Quintet in D (1798). A rare treat hearing works for this ensemble. A courtly work with aspirations to be rustic; the use of “golpe” guitar technique (hitting the guitar top with the finger) and some clever bowing to evoke Spain’s flamenco heritage was particularly effective in this regard. After the interval Mr Shibe took centre stage with two very welcome Villa-Lobos etudes (extra to the programme). Then to three pieces for solo guitar played without break as a kind of three movement piece. First Adès “Habanera”: a dramatic piece in a thoroughly modern style which tonight’s soloist premiered back in 2021. Then the much loved and welcome De Falla’s “Homenaje ‘Pour le tombeau de Claude Debussy’” (1920) suitably dramatic and melancholy and displaying the full palette of classical guitar techniques which Mr Shibe executed with passion, gusto and precision. Lastly Poulenc’s “Sarabande” (1960) for solo guitar. A thoroughly satisfying triptych, providing an interesting contrast with the other pieces on the bill and showing intelligent programming from tonight’s six-string maestro. The final piece this evening was Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s “Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet” (1950). You can almost feel Spain’s sultry heat shimmering from the stage, especially in the even numbered movements. Was it my imagination (or longing for España) or could I hear echoes of the “Concerto de Aranjuez”?
The second movement was particularly impressive with a heartfelt yearning and intensity of playing that took the breath away; especially the deep, soulful playing from cellist Anthony Kondo! Gorgeous. Coupled with tight ensemble work from violinists Nicolas Van Kuijk and Sylvain Favre-Bulle and violist Emmanuel Francois plus Mr Shibe’s dramatic guitar, it was a musical marriage made in Heaven.
The passion and drama continued to the inevitable thunderous applause at the end.
Another thrilling evenings entertainment showcasing exceptional music making from the assembled talents of these gifted musicians, presented as always with a love and respect for the music in a commendably welcoming atmosphere by the wonderful Malvern Concert Club… What more could one need for a perfect evening? Let’s just say “I cannot wait for their next concert”!