Memorable Concert In Cathedral

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31974, 29 April 1969, Page 16

Memorable Concert In Cathedral

The English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim, and with Kenneth Sillito and Jose Luis Garcia as associate leaders, gave a memorable concert in the Anglican Cathedral last evening under the direction of the N.Z.B.C. The programme began with! Mozart’s symphony in G minor, K. 550. Mr Barenboim kept his players through the: evening in perfect balance, which gave marvellous ensembles of varied timbres. The response in finest details showed firm discipline and a high degree of artistic awareness.

The vitality and clarity of! the playing in the first move-; ment. the silken quality of. the strings and the flexible! nuances of the wood-wind all' in perfect phrasing were) sheer delights. There was a deeply moving loveliness! without there being any trace of sentimentality in the second movement. The perfection of the woodwind and horn playing in the trio section of the minuet will long be a treasured memory.

Concert Piece for Piano and Smail Orchestra, written only a few months ago by the American composer. Alexander Goehr, was commissioned for Mr Barenboim and the, orchestra. Mr Barenboim directed the work from the piano. i

It began dramatically with what seemed at first to be disconnected material, played with marvellous control of tone and expression, particularly by horns and woodwind. In character it seemed to range from an awed questing to passionate frenzy. There was a lovely passage of lyrical impressionism for solo piano. Gradually the work revealed what could loosely be called a form of variations, but it made very attractive atmosphere without putting listeners under any obligation to be analytical. Even if its content did not attract, the virtuosity of the performance could not fail to do so. Purcell’s Chaconne in G minor was played by the strings with serene ' sound and dynamic rhythm. This was broadly dignified music well in keeping with its surroundings and played with full stylistic understanding. This wonderfully memorable concert ended with Mr Barenboim and the orchestra playing Mozart’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in B flat. K. 595. It was an electrifying performance. The delicacy of Mr Barenboim’s playing was entrancingly beautiful and it is; doubtful if a more wonderfully polished and satisfying performance of a Mozart concerto has ever been heard here. —C.F.B.