CONCERT BY N.Z. WIND QUINTET

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31640, 28 March 1968, Page 12

CONCERT BY N.Z. WIND QUINTET

The New Zealand Wind Quintet, Messrs Richard Giese, flute, Frank Gurr, clarinet, Ronald Webb, oboe, Gordon Skinner, bassoon, and Peter Glen, horn—all members of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra —gave a concert yesterday afternoon in the University Hall as part of the Pan Pacific Arts Festival series.

The programme began with a Mozart Divertimento in B flat, K. 270, a work in four movements, the first of which made ample demands on the group’s agility and precision. The balance was satisfactory but a more suave blending of tone would have been appreciated. It seemed as though the general level of volume was fixed too high, resulting in some rather coarse tone. Timbres and blend were better in the more gentle andantino, but much of the minuetto seemed overlarge for the hall. Most of the time general ensemble lacked smoothness. The finale romped along merrily. A Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, by Malcolm Arnold, opened with sprightly

and quirky sounds, and moved on to a slow movement of attractive and somewhat plaintive character. The playing in both movements was well . balanced, and pleasant singing tones was produced. A short and cheeky vivace followed, played with brilliant clarity.

The andantino movement was hauntingly reflective, and a martial maestoso made use of bugle calls for its basis. The work ended with a Piacevole which had a serene atmosphere. This was a most pleasing work and it was extremely well played. 'A Quartet in F major by Rossini was scored for flute, clarinet, horn, and bassoon. The opening andante had smooth and romantic melodies usually against repeated chord accompaniment. The last movement was a set of variations on a theme. Each had plenty of character and attractive flow. The playing had virtuoso agility and blended beautifully in manychanging colours. Quintet (1965) by Ken Wilson, a former member of the ensemble, was a thoroughly charming work showing a sense of humour as well as excellent construction. Although complicated, the texture of the brilliant first movement was quite clear. The second movement had an air of intense longing and of quiet searching with imaginative appeal. An allegro marziale was a mischievous movement at its beginning but sobered up in its middle section. The writing has plenty of vitality. A vigorous and cleverly written fiery tarantella ended this delightful and excellent work which was played with exhilarating effect. —C.F.B.