REVIEW

WEYMOUTH SUNDAY CONCERT

WEYMOUTH BAY CHURCH

THE first Sunday concert in 2018 certainly did not disappoint.

The Pelléas Ensemble with Oliver Wass, harp, Henry Roberts, flute, and Luba Tunnicliffe, viola had devised a varied and enjoyable programme, which they presented with aplomb.

Duncan Honeybourne, our chairman, who introduced the ensemble, was delighted that they were starting with Arnold Bax’s Elegaic Trio, Bax being one of his favourites. The rippling strings of the harp introduced the viola, then the flute to share in this tuneful piece of music, with its yearning, then joyful, melodies.

Barton’s Suite ‘Paysanne Hongroise’, originally written for piano, featured the harp and flute, and was derived from Bartok’s interest in folk music.

Corelli’s Trio Sonata had a lovely blend of flute and violin, each instrument leading in turn, but was far too short!

After the interval, we had the third performance by the ensemble of Stephen Roberts’ (no relative of the flautist!) Moroccan Sketches. These were very evocative of markets and street scenes.

Stephen has the unusual distinction of having played in or conducted most of the orchestras, bands or ensembles for which he has written.

The popular Lachrymae by Benjamin Britten was played on harp and viola; it was a very chromatic piece involving the harpist in lots of pedalling. He had explained how the harp works, so we understood how the pedals are used, which added to the interest.

Finally, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, which was written in memory of friends killed in World War 1, but in celebration of their lives rather than in mourning. The form resembled some compositions by Couperin.

Throughout the concert, the rapport between the musicians was obvious, as was their enjoyment of the music.

We went out into the cold evening buoyed up by such accomplished music making.

The next Weymouth Sunday Concert is on Sunday February 18 at 3pm, with the Marylebone Trio, oboe, clarinet and bassoon.

TOMASA SHERWOOD