5 stars
This concert showcased the unique opportunities the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra offers to Australian audiences in respect of historically informed performance.
The title ‘Viennese Vogue’ is apt to draw attention to the vagaries of Viennese musical taste in the Classical and Romantic eras, wavering as it did from one style to another in the space of a few years. But, in particular, this concert was an exploration, if not a veritable tour de force, of the versatility of the clarinet, which was then in its infancy as an instrument finding its place among the expanding forces of European chamber music.
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…The first movement consists of many rapid passages for all instruments, and especially for the clarinet. It is in these moments when one appreciates the honeyed timbre of the historically-informed clarinet over its more quacky progeny. It is a wonder how Nicole van Bruggen so deftly negotiates these passages.
[…]
Daniel Yeadon shines especially in the second movement, the sheer momentum of which gives the impression of a scherzo, where he seems to bounce effortlessly between strings. It should be mentioned that this was a special piece for ARCO to perform – on its 10th anniversary year. Founders Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen first performed this as a prize piece for a competition; and this ensemble’s performance of the quartet is worthy of praise to this day.
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…Peter Clark on violin was faultless and expressive. The piece is at all turns quaint and intimate – exactly what chamber music should be – and the highlights consist of chromatic crescendos so dramatic that they bring the violinist out of his chair.
Arayan Mohseni, State of the Art (March 20, 2023)
Image: Teniola Komolafe