REVIEW: Painswick Music Society Concert
THERE was another full house at St Mary’s on Saturday, April 8 for the Carducci Quartet with celebrated clarinettist Julian Bliss, Elena Hull (double bass), Joost Bosdijk (bassoon) and Jocelyn Lightfoot (horn).
The Carducci are old friends of the Painswick Music Society and once again, with Julian Bliss and the other soloists, delighted with their committed and inspirational playing.
As well as being recognised as one of the most successful String Quartets, the Carducci are known for their interpretation of contemporary repertoire.
They are also committed to education and together with oboist Jenny Lee Keetley had previously visited the Croft School with a lively and interactive presentation that enthralled and entertained the children.
Their Painswick programme started with Beethoven’s Quartet Op 95 Serioso. This Quartet has an experimental quality and the Carducci brought out the unexpected musical ideas with a real element of surprise.
The final movement with it’s syncopated rhythms was full of energy and excitement and the Quartet were intuitively together in their playing.
The Carducci were then joined by Julian Bliss for Weber’s Clarinet Quintet Op 34, one of the most charismatic works written for the clarinet. The piece is operatic in style, full of drama and beautiful melodies.
Julian Bliss created a sublime sound throughout with his virtuosic technique and wonderful colours, with the Carducci contributing with great rapport, clear lines and lively balanced playing.
Schubert’s Octet in F, inspired by Beethoven’s Septet, followed after the interval.
This work is full of complexity, melodies and moods - joyous and exuberant to dark and desolate, all conveyed by sensitive and perceptive playing.
The Octet gave a riveting performance of this great work which brought a wonderful afternoon of music to a close.
We hope to feature the Carducci Quartet again soon, so if you missed them this time, there is sure to be another opportunity to hear this superb Ensemble.
Review by Sue Pack
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