Revolutionary Romance. Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra
City Recital Hall, September 17
★★★★
The growth of musical ensembles playing on replica or unmodified actual 17th, 18th and 19th century instruments has highlighted the fact that a so-called historically informed performance is more a set of musical values than a sound.
Nicole van Bruggen thrilled with her velvety tone on the basset clarinet. Photo: Nick Gilbert
Each group has its own tonal ideal, expressive purpose and stylistic affinity, and, in cutting down its dimensions to chamber ensemble proportions for its final concert of the year, the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra, led by Rachael Beesley, provided an opportunity for an intimate insight into its musical quality and ethos.
On the evidence of this concert, ARCO values balance, expressive subtlety, and mellifluous melodic shape and avoids distorting mannerisms and unnecessary over-emphasis.
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