Last week’s Queen’s Hall performance by the Dunedin Consort marked the start of the renowned Baroque ensemble’s 30th anniversary season. The Consort, under veteran director John Butt, has steadily built up a sterling reputation as one of the finest such Baroque specialist ensembles in the world, based right here in Scotland.
And on the evidence of Thursday’s spirited, sprightly performances it intends to maintain that position through its fourth decade and beyond – so writes Lindsay McMurdo…
A programme of Corelli, Vivaldi, the little-known Muffat and finally Bach kicked off with Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 7 in D major by Corelli, one of the key originators of the Baroque’s signature polyphonous style. The slow-burning opening movement exploded into the hectic fugue of the second with terrific energy. A lyrical Andante largo led in similar fashion to the driving Vivace final movement with its lovely, almost throwaway ending.
“…on the evidence of Thursday’s spirited, sprightly performances it intends to maintain that position through its fourth decade and beyond.”
Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor RV514 provided the first of many moments throughout the evening for soloists Matthew Truscott and Huw Daniel to shine, especially in the opening Allegro, which demands some truly virtuosic bowing by both players as they duet and spar with each other. This was thrillingly achieved.
The first half concluded with Georg Muffat’s Sonata V, Armonico tribute in G major. Muffat (of Scottish ancestry), was highly influenced by Corelli and has some of the latter’s strong euphony, richly rendered by the ensemble. The piece’s concluding Passacaglia Grave, however, is a long, deathless affair which brought the first half to a somewhat downbeat end. From a programming perspective, one felt the Consort might have included one of their frequent forays into modern music in this slot as a palate-cleansing contrast.
No matter. The second half, beginning with Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins and Cello in D minor RV565 and continuing through Corelli’s Concerto Grosso No. 6 in F major. This Vivaldi was something of mirror image of the RV514 in terms of structure and musical character, greatly aided and abetted by Jonathan Manson’s sonorous cello playing. The Corelli seemed a much lesser piece than the first half offering (though finely played).
“Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor RV514 provided the first of many moments throughout the evening for soloists Matthew Truscott and Huw Daniel to shine, especially in the opening Allegro, which demands some truly virtuosic bowing by both players as they duet and spar with each other. This was thrillingly achieved.”
Then on to the evening’s highlight with Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins BWV 1043 in D minor. This is Bach at his most strikingly melodic, especially in the gorgeous second movement. However, the most dazzling moments came in the final Allegro, a positive riot of contrasting idioms and textures, delivered with panache and much obvious enjoyment by soloists and ensemble alike. A terrific ending to a highly accomplished performance and a suitable celebration of all the Dunedin Consort has achieved and will surely continue to achieve.
[This performance was recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds]
By
By
