Disciplined playing by instrumental groups

Press, 4 December 1978, Page 6

Disciplined playing by instrumental groups

By

C. FOSTER BROWNE

Chamber music groups of the School of Instrumental Music gave their annual concert at the State Trinity Centre. These groups are under the direction of Miss Ellen Doyle. Last year, at a similar concert, high praise was given to Miss Doyle for the standard of her work as exemplified by her students, and the same must be given again this year. She has taught them to have disciplined control of their playing and to have regard for the style of the works attempted. Precision throughout the evening was deserving of commendation and departure from good intonation was rare. Very few of the 11 chamber music groups, consisting of various instruments, failed to hold interest. Even from the less experienced players there were praiseworthy strivings after vc«ving tonal colourings and subtleties of nuance. Imparting of graceful movement with expressive shadings to phrase-endings were sought by the more in- 1

J experienced players with' good promises of success.) [These things belong to the! life-blood of good ensemble playing; therefore keep trying! A senior recorder group played seven short pieces[ with praiseworthy tonal' quality (brought forth with! ) careful attention to emission, of breath) and with interest-; ing and rhythmic precision. In the second half of the i programme, more experienced! I chamber-music players took part and their added expertise brought highly pleasing' results. A scherzo from a ! Schubert octet was played with rhythmic pulse, con-; trolled expression, and excellent tonal balance, and a : thoroughly musicianly per formance resulted. Rachel Catanach (violin). Tonv Lawrence (cello)-, and Helen Mountford (piano); gave a stirringly rhythmical.! expressive, and beautifully toned performance of the andante con moto from the Trio in C major, opus 87 by Brahms. This was musical playing of splendid promise!

-and high degree of present accomplishment. Monica Verberg (flute), Nigel Shatford (violin). Heather Dunford (viola), and Simon Barrett (cello) played > the andante con moto from [Mozart’s Quartet in G major. ■ with good feeling for the work. They kept good balance and played expressively. Jennifer Moreau and Rachel Catanach (violins), Lindsay Mountfort (viola), Helen Mountfort (cello), and Alison Catanach (piano gave a splendidly balanced and lively performance of the ' Dumka from the Quintet ip A major by Dvorak with excel- ' lently expressed atmosphere and fine sense of style. This was expressive playing. The programme ended with David Gilling and Jane Wright (violins)- Heather Dunford (viola), and Gregory Scott (cello) giving a spirited performance of rhe finale from Dvorak’s string quartet in F major. Verv pleasing tone colours were produced in good blending and the performance had balance and igood approach.