Recital at University

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 10

Recital at University

A pleasant recital of six-teenth-century and seven-teenth-century music was given in the University Hall on Thursday afternoon by the University Singers, conducted by Mr John Cousins, John Jennings (harpsichord), Jan Pierard (viola), and Michael Houston (piano). The University Singers gave stylish, renderings of madrigals by Dowland, Tomkins, Bartlet, Gibbons, and Wilbye. Phrasing was carefully moulded and expression and timbres, kept within stylish boundaries, were attractive and effective. The widely differing atmospheres were quickly caught and sustained. Bartlet’s “Of All the Birds” had a charming lilt, and “The Silver Swan” by Gibbons was sensitively performed. There was most commendable rhythmic grip and balancing of the voices. Mr Jennings played three pieces by Thomas Tomkins on the harpsichord with excellent clarity and delineation. The first—“ Toy made at Poole Court—was a charming little piece of fantasy. “A Sad Pavan for These Distracted Times” had a gentle melancholy, and “Worster Brawls” came off with bright vigour. Some “Dorick” music by John Bull was exciting, and was confidently and clearly interpreted. Jan Pierard, accompanied by Michael Houston, played a Largo and Allegro for Viola by J. C. Pepusch. The first section had a mellow and embracing flow, and the allegro was exciting in its tnoto perpetua dash.—C.F.B.