Review of Weymouth Sunday Concert (Oct 11th) Atéa Wind Quintet at Weymouth Bay Church

The 70th season of Weymouth Music Club’s concerts began with a sparkling recital by the Atéa Wind Quintet, a London based ensemble formed in 2009. The group presented a varied programme ranging from Mozart’s cheerful Andante in F major, played ‘con brio’ to a quintet by Nielson.

Hindemith’s Kammermusik exploited the potential of all the instruments by exploring a discordant and mournful theme, with strenuous marching rhythms emphasised by the bassoon.

The Quintet by French composer, Paul Taffanel, which followed was regarded by the performers as their favourite piece and this was apparent in their mood of enjoyment as flowing harmonies were provided by the flute and clarinet with a bracing accompaniment from the horn. This resonant combination showed the defining qualities of each instrument, displaying the impressive technical abilities of the artists involved.

Quintet No. 1 by Francaix, after the interval, was also skilfully executed with bubbling notes flowing from the clarinet and oboe in a mellow combination.

Tuan’s ‘The Chase’ played by clarinet and flute was described as ‘having a lot of notes’. It was brilliantly and humorously performed and generously applauded.

The final quintet, by Nielson, displayed all five instruments to advantage in a sprightly dance and dignified minuet, followed by an evocative hymn like ending with fading notes on horn and bassoon.

Altogether this was a delightful concert hailed with most enthusiastic applause.

The next concert, a flute and harp duo, will be on 8th November.

MARGARET HULMES