Forum Theatre, Malvern – 27th April 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
I was fortunate enough to catch the incredible Carducci String Quartet last time they visited Malvern so was really looking forward to seeing them again, especially given a most interesting programme.
Emma Johnson (Clarinet and host of tonight’s soirée) regaled us with some fascinating background to tonight’s pieces, which was very welcome! Her playing throughout was sublime with an astounding effortlessness (does she breath through her ears? I asked myself). I certainly came away with a newfound appreciation of the clarinet.
First up was the Ferguson Octet Op. 4 written in 1933, a work I was unfamiliar with but will certainly seek out again. This piece had a bit of everything, from the first movement’s romantic, lush melodies through some frenetic sections and some melancholy too (as you would perhaps expect from a piece written between the wars). Phil Gibbon on Bassoon puffing his cheeks at the end testified to how much effort the work involved to play.
After the ensemble forces of the first piece, Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet was more like a concerto with a well defined solo instrument and supporting “string orchestra“; indeed this piece is quite similar in some respects to his clarinet concerto. One of the earliest works written for this combination of instruments (in 1789), it’s a beautiful work. Long florid runs on the clarinet and gorgeous melodies passed between all players with perfect symmetry… One of Mozart’s strengths was getting genuine passion into the more formal Classical era, with one foot in the Romantic era. The second movement was heartbreakingly beautiful, with playing at times that was so quiet it was barely there – not easy to do whilst maintaining such gorgeous tone!
It was fascinating to see the musicians perform close up, literally leaning into each other, making eye contact and positively dancing in their seats. This was especially evident in Emma Denton’s force of nature Cello playing and Matt Denton’s Violin cadenza in the final piece (which left all with appreciative smiles). The Carducci’s second violin (Michelle Fleming) and Viola (Eoin Schmidt-Martin) were equally magnificent. The Beatles were described as “the four headed monster” – meant as a compliment re how how tight a unit they were – the same can be said of the Carducci Quartet. They are a joy to behold, their personalities shining through, always enhancing the experience for the audience.
Beethoven’s Septet Op. 20, written just 10 years after Mozart’s work, is a meatier affair. One can see why this was one of the composers most popular works during his lifetime. Stephen Stirling on the French Horn had a pivotal role in the last movement and the Double Bass (played by Chris West) added the necessary weight that Beethoven demands. All musicians blended perfectly to produce well balanced, thrilling readings of the pieces. Faultless playing throughout!
A fantastic programme of sumptuous music, expertly presented by top class musicians and thoroughly enjoyed by an adoring audience. Malvern Concert Club gives us another evening of sheer perfection. Bravo to all the concerned and see you at the next concert in the series.