I can’t think why I have never attended one of the North
Downs Sinfonia’s inspiring concerts before.
To have such a proficient and enthusiastic orchestra on one’s doorstep
and not come to its concerts is almost a crime.
The evening’s concert opened with Hummel’s Premiere
overture in Bb Op.101. Jonathan Maynard, the NDS’ Chairman and conductor of
the night, indicated that possibly Hummel’s lack of universal recognition was
because he didn’t write any symphonies, yet the overture was the perfect opener
for the concert. Initially the work almost sounded modern with its repetitive
dramatic chords followed by quieter quaver phrases, yet it soon burst into the
secure classical sound readily recognised by music lovers. As the music
unveiled, the orchestra proved itself to be composed of accomplished players,
well able to meld together in gradual build ups of tension, and, led by their
conductor, demonstrating nicely judged alternations of tempi and dynamics.
Perhaps the magic name Kanneh-Mason had been
responsible for the quietly expectant atmosphere of the hall as people took
their seats earlier, and Jon’s introduction of Mariatu, the cello soloist,
could have been made, in homage, on bended knee. I personally think that the
Kanneh-Mason family has done more to engender an interest in classical music
amongst young people than anyone I can think of, yet Jon’s introduction of
Mariatu wasn’t to do with her reflected glory star quality. It was to do with
her professionalism as a musician. She had been a joy to work with during
rehearsals, Jon said, a view shared by the playing members of the orchestra.
Jon introduced the work by saying the Saint-Saëns cello concerto No. 1 should be as well-known as those by Elgar and Dvořák. I had heard it before, but in this performance there was an assuredness in the cello playing I hadn’t previously noted. There was no arrogance, just composure; Mariatu simply seemed to know what the music is about. She has a mastery of her instrument which enables it to sing its solo soaring statements, to blend in when being a member of the orchestra, and to shine its own path in passages where the soloist and orchestra are equal partners. What was produced on this occasion, by the NDS under Jon’s baton, with a fourteen year old soloist, was a memorable work that was passionate, well controlled, and well executed. It was a joy to hear.
After the interval Jon introduced Beethoven’s 7th
as being ‘a gift to musicians ……it plays itself’. Well it may have played
itself, but not, I suspect, without the very considerable expertise of the NDS
and its conductor.
The performance of the whole work was awe-inspiring, the first
movement displaying a good balance of sound and uniformity of playing, and a
mix and match of the strings and wind, before it danced off at the Vivace, then
galloping away, the addition of the brass and timpani making it joyously
triumphant, though held in control by the conductor. The second movement’s
steady start with the strings laying the foundations, developed into
anticipation accentuated by a growing crescendo enhanced by the wind, brass and
timpani, before becoming more pastoral. The third movement was certainly foot
tapping, and it bounced away displaying effective interplay between strings,
wind and brass. The fourth movement can sometime appear a bit ragged at times,
but not in this performance. It was dynamic, and exuberant, and, as had been
the case throughout the concert, all the soloists played beautifully, executing
their parts with precision and clarity.
The NDS performance was inspirational, and I am sure that I was
not the only one to leave Tatsfield Village Hall feeling exhilarated and
uplifted.
If space permits, I would also like to record my thanks to Mariatu’s
and Jon’s parents, and indeed to all other parents, for encouraging, fostering
and nurturing the talents of their children. The commitment parents give to
their children, wholeheartedly supporting them in their endeavours, benefits
whole communities far and wide, large and small. Thank you.
Katharine O’Carroll
Chair, Oxted and Limpsfield Music Society
