SLAVA, RODRIGO
& BEETHOVEN VII
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, October 31 2016
 |
| Timo-Veikko Valve with the Guarneri cello. Photo: Mick Bruzzese |
I had the privilege to enjoy the ACO
concert last night a Hamer Hall. How spectacular. Always a rejuvenating treat,
the ensemble was in full form. One of our party said the previous subscription
concert had been terribly disappointing with the musicians seeming quite out of
kilter. She sent them a note, and although she didn’t receive a response I
suggested that perhaps it had been read out in rehearsal, for tonight was quite
the opposite and she agreed. (I can’t imagine the ACO delivering a disappointing performance,
but we do all indeed have our off days).
The Gordon Kerry premier work ‘So Dream Thy
Sails’ was played superbly and interwove thin tones on the strings with
virtuosic playing and full ensemble sections, reflecting the moods and movement
of the ocean. A particular highlight was the prominence of the harp, which
brought colour, tremendous tonal chiaroscuro and such a beautiful contrast of texture to the work. The concentration was
sharp and the performance excellent.
