Versatility of lute shown

Press, 16 August 1978, Page 6

Versatility of lute shown

By C. FOSTER BROWNE Bill Power gave a lute recital. last evening. It would have been helpful if he had been seated above his audience, for there would have been much to look at as well as listen to in such a rarely [ given experience for his large' audience. Mr Power gave an interest-1 ing history of the instrument i and of the music written for! it, and his. two-hour recital! to pass quickly. [ In his hands the lute produced music of charm and,! 'within its rather amazingly ‘wide limits, considerable versatility of expression and of differing timbres. Low notes had a purity and richness of sound. Consider-: able variety of differing rhythms, all of great interest in giving life and shape to i the music, are to be found.

Ornamentation of notes in a melodic line, beca'use a plucked string cannot sound for lopg, makes the music ‘ have • .special decorative; effects —all very charming to; hear. The sounds of a lute are! most pleasing to the ear—[ particularly pianissimo [ sounds when the performer! has the skill to keep such; sounds alive in quality, and; many fine shadings of expres-i sion are possible within the; closest limits, giving gentle! and diversifying effects. [ Although lutes are used extensively in consorts of early instruments, there is surprisingly' wide solo repertoire for the instrument and Mr Power gave us generously of its riches. He has an extensive technique and the musical sensitivity to make the best use! of it.