2010

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22nd January – Sheida Davis & Helen Reid

The cellist Sheida Davis is no longer a newcomer to the music circuit, despite her relative youth. The members’ evening at Farnham Castle on 22 January was the third appearance of this popular and accomplished musician. Accompanied, once again, by the talented piano recitalist Helen Reid, local music-lovers had a feast of wonderful music served up by a gifted musical duo.

Following an enjoyable work by the Czech composer Martinu, based on a Slovak theme, JS Bach’s Sonata in G Major for viola da gamba and harpsichord, adapted for cello and piano, was an uncomplicated and delightful piece that was greatly appreciated. Three Fantasy Pieces by Schumann concluded the first half. The third of these pieces was a stirring work that invited visions of a big swell in an angry sea giving way to calm.

The second part began with seven variations on a theme from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, giving the audience a familiar tune to trace. The final work was Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata which seems an unfair title since the pianist also works extremely hard, particularly in the final movement. This relatively cheerful piece (compared with much of Prokofiev’s other work) comes to a superb climax at the end of a movement that begins almost playfully – it displayed the outstanding skills of both musicians to great effect.

Ian Sargeant
23 January, 2010

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26 February – The Harris Quartet

The Harris Quartet began and ended their programme at Farnham Castle on 26th February with a piece specially composed for them by Adrian Brockless. He was present to enjoy the sensitive first performance of this charming piece, a gentle ’Berceuse’ (cradle song) in a very English style with harmonies reminiscent of Vaughan Williams. The large audience enjoyed it so much they demanded a repeat at the end of the concert.

The two main works of the evening presented a fascinating contrast of youth and age: an early quartet by Mendelssohn and a late one by Beethoven. Mendelssohn’s Opus 12 reflects the former composer’s acknowledged admiration for the latter but overall the style is unmistakeably his own, ranging from romantic ardour to passages that recall skittish moments from the ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ overture. The stormy finale demonstrated the mature virtuosic skills of the four young musicians, Nicky Olle, Nick Evans-Pughe, Helen Roche and Toby Turton.

It is almost incredible that Beethoven was completely deaf when he wrote his astounding late quartets. Opus 130 in B flat is considered to be part of his crowning achievement as a composer and presents a great challenge to musicians. The Harris Quartet rose to this challenge admirably, giving a moving rendition of the soft ‘Cavatina’ and a contrastingly energetic Presto to end a triumphant performance.

Rosemary Wisbey
26 February 2010

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26 March – Claire Jones

Brilliant musicianship and charming and engaging personality don’t always come together in one person, but they did for members of the Tilford Bach Society on March 26th when we were royally entertained by the official harpist to HRH Prince of Wales, Claire Jones. Claire would probably have succeeded with piano, violin or harp, but chose the harp. Whilst completing her masters degree she was encouraged to compete for the post of official harpist. She was auditioned by a selection of private secretaries and the like, but at one point Prince Charles stood about a foot off the end of her harp and watched her play; she described it as an intimate moment. But he obviously has an ear for talent because she was selected. Her original appointment was for two years and four playing engagements per year. However, she has already fulfilled 80 commitments and feels her appointment could be for a further two years.

The harp is capable of filling the great hall at Farnham Castle, and in a fantasy on themes from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin the sound was almost of orchestral breadth.

Claire has been engaged in work with Patrick Hawes, and she played us How Hill, a descriptive piece of a scene in north Norfolk. Her recording of this is now on Classic FM’s most wanted list. Maqamat by the Israeli composer Ami Maayani was part of her final masters recital which she chose because it enabled her to show off the harp to its full extent. She suggested it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I heard no one complain.

Prelude and allemande from Bach’s partita no. 1 was in the programme because J.S.B. is HRH’s favourite composer. I must send him a programme for this year’s Tilford Bach Festival.

Claire spent some time in the second half answering questions about her harp and her appointment. There will be many memories for her including H.M the Queen sitting in the room listening to her play. But one that sticks in the mind was when she played for the Welsh rugby team. They invited her to play at the Millennium Stadium with Katherine Jenkins when Wales played South Africa. What else would she play, of course, but her own arrangement of Men of Harlech. And it was amplified on to the PA system by the BBC. She said it was an amazing experience and it certainly filled the Great Hall. Claire came to us through the auspices of the Countess of Munster Trust. She is also sponsored by the Italian harp company Salvi, and thankfully they make all the arrangements to transport her harp when she is playing abroad. Claire has promised to come back next year and we look forward to her return with great pleasure.

Pete Wisbey
26 March 2010

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23rd April – Pegasus

A visit by Pegasus, the society’s favourite chamber choir, is always a highpoint of the TBS calendar. Pegasus is a choir that was always good but has now developed into “exceptionally good” on the TBS Scale of Excellence. It brings together a group of young London-based professional people who are very musical and have good voices. Under the direction of Matthew Altham they put together bespoke programmes of choral music that they deliver without accompaniment to audiences who are always astonished and uplifted by the standard of performance.

The date of this concert was 23rd April – St George’s Day. English music was therefore the constant with a first half devoted to sacred music and the second to secular pieces. The opening was Nunc Dimittis by Gustav Holst, followed by works by Tallis, Purcell, Howells, William Harris and Stanford, spanning hundreds of years.

The second part delivered a delightful selection of songs by a variety of composers including Holst (again), George Macfarren, Charles Wood, Vaughan Williams, Percy Grainger and Ernest Moeren. There were two non-English composers in this group, but no one minded.

The choir moved smoothly from pianissimo to fortissimo, from joyful to melancholy like a well-oiled Rolls Royce being put through its paces by a skilled driver. Each group of pieces was introduced by a different member of the choir who amused and informed the audience about the works and composers. We heard several soloists within many of the pieces and they were all good, with two of them outstandingly good.

If you missed this concert, shame on you! But you have another chance to hear Pegasus on 5th June when they take part in the final concert of the 58th Tilford Bach Festival at All Saints Church, Tilford. Get your tickets now!

Ian Sargeant
24 April, 2010

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