Forum Theatre, Malvern – 23rd November 2025
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Malvern Concert Club presents another wondrous afternoon of music played by exceptionally gifted musicians. Today’s visitors were singer Mark Le Brocq with the London Mozart Players – neither of whom I had had the pleasure of seeing before.
First on the programme was Franz Schubert’s String Quartet No 12 in C minor, D.703, “Quartettsatz”; a one movement work which was the opening of a proposed Quartet that the composer never finished. That may sound like a throwaway “reject” piece but this superb morsel is nothing of the kind – it’s a masterpiece and only “miniature” in length, not scope. After a joyous tutti outburst, the piece unfolded very much in keeping with that early Romantic era’s oeuvre; drama and tenderness rubbing shoulders in equal measure. I particularly enjoyed the florid runs from first violin Simon Blendis and second violin Antonia Kesel, flowing to violist Judith Busbridge and finally cellist Ella Rundle – the entire passage creating a rather thrilling effect.
Next up was Ralph Vaughan Williams’s On Wenlock Edge, in which the Quartet were joined by pianist Anna Tilbrook. Tonight’s singer, Mark Le Brocq, began this song cycle in the audience, entering from behind us, and made his way to the stage. He finished as he had begun but in reverse. Mr Le Brocq had a powerful, full bodied voice that carried much emotion, holding the emotional power in the quieter sections also. His story-telling of the text was marvellous throughout with the third song in the cycle “Is My Team Ploughing?” being the standout moment for me. A tragic tale of a dead man discussing with his living friend his burgeoning affair with the dead man’s love being particularly affecting.
As a fan of musical biographies, I do love it when artists give us some background information on the works being performed or the composers. There was, unfortunately, only a brief introduction at the start of the second half – leaving the first half to remain context and anecdote free. A missed opportunity, I felt. But what we did have was interesting and welcome – that Robert Schumann wrote his Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 44 at a time when he was enjoying his status of newlywed to his sweetheart Clara, giving us an insight into this passionate masterpiece. I always feel that Schumann is overlooked somewhat as one of the true greats in the classic firmament – understandable given the contemporary talent of course. But this piece is one of those which proves what a genius he was and is testament to his inclusion among the “Great Composers” pantheon – and he would no doubt have been overjoyed with tonight’s rendition.
The musicians were all expert at their craft and they displayed a real connection with each other. It was exactly what chamber music should be – an intimate dialogue. I absolutely loved tonight’s concert and cannot wait to see them again.
So, yet another triumphant afternoon’s music making of the highest caliber courtesy of Malvern Concert Club. If you haven’t yet attended this club’s concerts do yourself a favour and sign up immediately. For music lovers everywhere it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Bravissimo again (and again).