Baroque dedication

Press, 12 June 1978, Page 6

Baroque dedication

By C. FOSTER BROWNE A new Christchurch orchestral group, the Amici Chamber Orchestra — a I group of friends who like ; playing baroque music — [gave its first concert last i evening, in the Arts Centre Gallery. I It was conducted by Paul Mayhew and led by Romola Griffiths, and had David Vine playing the contunuo parts on a harpsichord. The programme consisted of two symphonies by Sammartini, two concerti, one for guitar | and the other for bassoon — ’played by Martyn Clayton and Liam Gill, respectively — and Haydn’s SymphonyNo. 22 in E major. I The orchestra made a “ very good start with this

concert, and attracted a big audience.

Sammartini’s Symphony No. 4 made a stirring beginning to the programme. The tone of the strings was good and the players kept good intonation.

Vivaldi’s Concerto in A major for guitar was unusual but refreshing and well worth hearing. Martyn Clayton was the soloist, and played with confidence, good tone, and artistic accord. It was pleasant to hear a guitar played without amplification. and the performance was as pleasing as it was unusual.

Sammartini’s Symphony No. 13 in G major began firmly, although the bass line was sometimes rather heavy. The playing had cohesion

and rhythmic life and movement. Liam Gill was the soloist;’ in Vivaldi’s Bassoon Con-* certo in A minor. He played with good tone, making merry with this attractive music, which had strong rhythmic appeal. His control of long phrases was praiseworthy and he played syncopated rhythms deftly. Haydn’s Symphony No. 22 in E major opened gravely with well sustained and; beautiful sounds, and continued in dignified measure’ with artistically chosen: timbres. This was fine play-! I in g- | AH concerned are to be [congratulated on making a [good start, and their next [concert can be recommended