Federation recital

Press, 2 June 1984, Page 8

Federation recital

Music Federation Christchurch Recital; Carl Pint violin; Robert Menga, violin; Rachel Thompson, viola; Walter Godde, cello; Maurice Till, piano; Dale Gold, double bass. James Hay Theatre, 8 p.m., Thursday, May 31. Reviewed by Margaret Buchanan. Recitals by piano quintets are, like sextets, less frequent on the chamber music circuit and this progrmame was a most attractive and enjoyable one, with music by Schumann, Rossini, and Schubert. To weld such an ensemble together with musical cohesion over a short period of weeks (not months or years, as in the case of most string quartets and smaller groups) must present a considerable challenge to each member. This ensemble, therefore, performed this difficult feat with a measure of success, especially in the final work, Schubert’s “Trout” quintet. Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 44, is a marvellously warm and spontaneous work,

endearing melodies and a time concert at the School variety of serious and jocu- of Music, at the University lar moods. The first two of Canterbury, where he movements were peformed presented a superb prowell generally, with glorious gramme by Geminiani, Hinplaying from the two lower denuth, and others. I wonstrings especially. Some oc- der if small ensembles co - casional blemishes in syn- train his manner and style chronising the phrasing was of playing? apparent in the finale, with Undoubtedly, the highlight a surprising difference of of the evening was the Quinarticulation appearing in tet in A ma j or p 667 (the the two violins. “Trout”) by Schubert. MauThe work which followed rice Tni evo ked a light came from the pen of a singing quality from the youthful Rossini. He wrote piano from the very open ing his six string sonatas at the notes which evoked a deage of 12 and in the space of lightful atmosphere. This only three days! His String provided a sure means of Sonata No. 3in C major for achieving a musical cohetwo violinis, cello, and sion throughout. double bass is a charming and effervescent piece, The second movem which pivp«; each Diaver was a gem and the much equal opportunity to display loved virtuosic inclinations. How- was a delightful ™ovem . ever, the second violin had Rachel Thompson - a tendency to push the pressed with the nc , tempo forward in his solo serene, and silky tone she passages and intonation produced. problems appeared This recital boasted a strangely in the second beautifully balanced popumovement, Andante. lar programme of chamber Robert Menga had im- music. I was surprised to pressed me with the quality see so many empty seats in and virtuosic nature of his the James Hay for such a playing recently in a lunch- concert.