Music for clarinets

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32880, 1 April 1972, Page 18

Music for clarinets

An unusual and diverting recital of music for clarinets was given yesterday afternoon in the University Hall by students of the School of Music.

The programme began with a Sonata by Poulenc for two clarinets. This was played by Keith Spragg and Deborah Rawson, both of whom showed secure control and imaginative — and flexible — use of the instruments, and awareness of Poulenc’s quirky sense of humour. Excellent i balance was maintained. The

gentle tone used in the scond movement was particularly pleasing, and the brightness of rhythm and the vivid tonal colourings in the third movement were arresting. Judith Shillito and Martin Lamb were heard to excellent advantage in Brahm’s Sonata in E flat for clarinet and piano. Lovely antiphonal phrases, gentle for the most part, had pastoral character and were exchanged with well-calculated, balance. Miss Shillito had sensitive control of tone in fine nuances. There was warmth and pleasing flow in the third movement, and the fourth had gracious flow and some effective and well-controlled pianissimo playing. Judy Bellingham sang Schubert’s “Shepherd oh the i Rock” with Deborah Rawson ; and Susan Glasgow playing ■ the clarinet and piano respectively. Miss Bellingham sang with brilliant tone and in ex- ' cellent style, and was ’ strongly supported by the ’ others. The programme ended with , Deborah Rawson, Judith * Shillito, and Christopher ' Walker playing clarinets and ; Keith Spragg the bass clar- ; inet in an allegro from a I Divertimento by Alfred Uhl. ; This was lively and' cheerful ; music, with rhythmic verve, . stimulating use of colour, and I of melodic inventiveness. —I C.F.B.