MARTINŮ String Sextet, H.22
Performed by Shane Chen, Katie Betts, violin; Nicole Greentree, Bernard Hoey, viola; Matthew Kinmont, Hyung Suk Bae, cello
M. HAYDN Divertimento in C
Performed by Sarah Meagher, oboe; Jann Keir-Haantera, viola; Justin Bullock, double bass
BEETHOVEN String Quintet in C, Op.29
Performed by Shane Chen, Helen Travers, violin; Graham Simpson, Nicole Greentree, viola; Andre Duthoit, cello
An Entertaining and Relaxing End to the 2019 QSO Chamber Concert Series
It was a lovely relaxing Sunday afternoon at the last of the QSO Chamber Series presenting Compelling Themes. The selection of three compositions by Martinu, Haydn and Beethoven entertained a full audience at the ABC Studio. Cello player Matthew Kinmont introduced the afternoon concert, exclaiming it was “his favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon!” Viola playerBernard Hoey was standing out from the more sombrely dressed musicians, in a vibrant Hawaiian shirt described by Kinmont as “a demand for attention,” adding “you hear what you see.” We did indeed see and hear a lovely bright and vibrant collection of chamber music, perfect for a Sunday garden party.
A quirky String Sextet from Martinu, one of the Czech classical music giants of his time, got the party in full swing with influences from Bohemian folk music with Baroque styling. Incredibly, the sextet was written in only a couple of days in 1932, winning Martinu the Coolidge Prize, much to his surprise. The Lento had a slow start, becoming energetic with vibrant strings and chromatic overtones. The more unusual Andantino was deliberately slow with a hidden surprise Scherzo midway to blow out the cobwebs. The strident Allegretto contrasted again, clipping along with alternating double and triple rhythmic motifs. The six musicians appeared to relish playing their chosen piece and were smiling throughout the performance.
An uplifting Allegro from Haydn’s Divertimento in C was perfect for the Royal garden parties of Europe, played expertly by the trio of Sarah Meager on oboe; Jann Keir-Haantera on viola; and Justin Bullock on the double bass. It was composed specifically for outdoor musical entertainment, whilst the guests enjoyed the pleasant summer weather surrounded by the opulence of the time. The five (of six) movements epitomised the Haydn “sound” of the time, with contrasting movements of March, Minuet and Aria. The Presto was joyful, with the flowery notes of the oboe resulting in a perfect finale, evoking visions of chilled wine and crisp cucumber sandwiches.
Beethoven’s String Quintet in C, Op 29 was a prelude to the QSO’s 250th Anniversary Celebration of Beethoven as part of the 2020 Concert Series, ending a gratifying year of Chamber music. It is a rarely played composition written in 1801, utilising an extra viola to great effect to create a richer and fuller sound without the need for excessive vigorous and difficult parts. However, the Allegro had an energetic bariolage for the cello player Andre Duthoit, creating a vibrant bass for the lilting melody.
Each of the four movements seemed to reflect Beethoven’s contrasting moods, as he was struggling to cope with his increasing loss of hearing and excessive tinnitus whilst composing the piece. It is incredible to contemplate how he overcame his pervasive hearing disability through his love of music and a dedication to his patrons. The Presto, nicknamed the “Storm” due to the tremolos and explosive cello flashes, brought the 2019 QSO Chamber Series to a dramatic conclusion. The Sunday chamber concerts are an idyllic way to relax and enjoy the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with musicians from the QSO, with five upcoming concerts for 2020 available to book now. The compelling themes concert will be broadcast at a future date on 4MBS.
24 November 2019
QSO Studio, ABC Centre
Dr Gemma Regan