String orchestra

Press, 16 September 1986, Page 4

String orchestra

University of Canterbury School of Music String Orchestra, directed by Jan Tawroszewicz, at the James Hay Theatre, September 15, 8 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman.

Last evening’s concert was promoted as an opportunity to demonstrate "the outstanding quality of young Christchurch string players.” This it did, in spades. Under the detailed, and at times inspired, direction of Jan Tawroszewicz, the University of Canterbury School of Music String Orchestra gave a mature account of six challenging works. The breezy, well crafted delivery of Mozart’s Divertimento in D major, K. 136, epitomised the spirit of the eveniM- The playing was correct without being fussy, polished without being slick. Lapses m concentrate were rare.

For a small band of nineteen musicians, the tonal quality carried a remarkable depth. The feeling of ensemble cohesion was strong throughout.

“Five Folk Melodies,” by Lutoslawski, and “St Paul’s Suite,” by Gustav Holst, were both driven by an infectious youthful energy. Rhythms remained crisp, and in the lighter-veined movements an excellent sense of comic timing was displayed. Dynamic contrasts were well marked.

As it transpired it was primarily the accompanimental talents of the young players that were aired for rightful public appreciation. Of the three concert! presented, two featured members of the university staff in the solo roles.

Waiter Goedde gave a most expressive account of Vivaldi’s Concerto in E minor for Cello, Gerald

Elias and Jan Tawroszewicz shaped Bach’s familiar Concerto in D minor for Two Violins with steady craft and easy flair. While both performances were musicially satisfying, it seemed a pity, in the context of this youth concert, that a selection of the younger players had not been given the opportunity to solo with the orchestra.

This was, in fact, the case with Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G major although the solo work in this was in the nature of a trio — the concertino to the orchestra’s ripieno. Mark Menzies (violin), Martin Riseley (violin), and Janet Sim (cello) all gave fluent, articulate accounts of their respective parts. In keeping with the theme of youth, intelligent and readable programme notes were provided by Jenny Pickering.