Reviews 2021-22
Wed 13th Oct. 2021
Quartetto Nous
We held our first concert since the first lock-down began, and our audience was obviously delighted to be able to hear live music again, with 65 attending. In the Old Kirk, masks were worn and social distancing was observed. And the award winning Quartetto Noûs from Italy did not disappoint. This was their second last recital of their second Scottish tour and they said they would love to return to Scotland having toured the Highlands and Islands.
There was a lengthy and fascinating introduction to the music by the second violinist Alberto Franchin. This was important because the first two items were Quartets by Italian composers, unfamiliar to us, and difficult to find on YouTube. Both the music, Boccherini's Op 64 No 1 Quartet and Bazzini's Op 80 Quartet and the playing were of the highest standard.
The players were happy to meet the audience members at the interval and at the end, something that doesn't often happen.
After the interval we were on more familiar ground with Shostakovich's Quartet No 3. The huge contrast between the playful, ironic opening theme and the aggressive and dynamic third movement was competently accomplished by the Quartet.
The sad conclusion of the work with the three pizzicato chords on the first violin was sensitively executed. After extended applause and much banging of feet, we were treated to an encore which lifted the mood.
This was the bouncy Allegro Vivace first movement of Boccherini's Op 8 No 1 Quartet. This can be found on YouTube!
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For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 17th Nov. 2021
The Wallace Collection
For the second concert of the 2021-22 season, there was a large turnout for the world renowned Wallace Collection. This brass ensemble, lead by Fifer John Wallace, are made up of a very talented group of mainly Scottish (or Scotland based) musicians. On this occasion they were joined by pianist and composer James Ross.
The program started with 3 Giovanni Gabrieli canzones (songs), played on 19th century instruments. This was followed by a new composition by James Ross – The Flow Country. The piece comprised an air, a hymn and a reel for piano and brass ensemble. It was very melodic and evocative of the bleak but beautiful peatlands of James’s home region in the far north of Scotland. It was very well received by the audience. James then played his own interpretations of traditional Scottish tunes, finishing with a toe tapping Scott Skinner reel.
Before the interval we were entertained by the ensemble who ditched their brass instruments for conch shells and didgeridoos. They improvised “music” conjured up whales singing in the ocean for some, for others, the jungle at night. John Wallace explained that they use these “instruments” in their inter- active school workshops. The children engage enthusiastically and many are encouraged to go on and take up a brass instrument. Perhaps a little late for Wednesdays audience!
After the interval the program returned to a more traditional format with 4 British folk songs by Beethoven ( arranged for brass by the
ensemble) This was followed by 5 brass quintets by the 19th century French composer Jean- Francois Bellon then a septet by another Frenchman Auguste Mimart. During the 2nd half of the concert, each member of the ensemble, between pieces, spoke to the audience and introduced us to their particular period instrument. After extensive applause by an extremely appreciative audience, the ensemble returned to the stage to play an improvised encore on their conche shells and didgeridoos. A real treat.
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For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 1st Dec.2021
Marmen Quartet
In this early December recital, the multi award winning Marmen Quartet showed why, still relatively young, they are already internationally celebrated. The drive and intensity of their brilliant playing was at times startling in its effect, throughout a challenging programme.
Haydn's Quartet Opus 64 No.3 takes off in a merry gallop and it was plain that the players were enjoying the ride. The more reflective conversation between the violins in the second movement still had its moments of dry wit before the more overt humour of the third took over with the players clearly enjoying the jokes. In the final movement they continued to develop the playful qualities of the composition with verve, pace and precision, exploiting its moments of surprise as they had done from the beginning.
Ligeti's String Quartet No.1 opens with a power and urgency reminiscent of Stravinsky's “Rite of Spring.” As the piece continued the players tested their instruments to the limit with some highly unorthodox fingering in exploiting the tensions of the repeated, abrupt changes of rhythm. But brief passages of exquisite sweetness revealed their intimate understanding of the piece and of one another and this was notable too in the dramatic effect they drew from recurring moments of silence.
New Zealander Salina Fisher's new composition, “Heal” was composed for the Marmen Quartet and is inspired by her sense of the healing potential of music. Its haunting opening perhaps evokes her Japanese heritage but as the absorbing piece opens out its abstraction allows a sense to develop of a bird high in an empty sky or a small boat drifting on an expanse of ocean—a sense of lonely destiny?
The opening movement of Brahms's C minor Quartet, Op. 51 No.1 has a turbulence which at times seems barely controlled, with phrases passed from one instrument to another communicating the restlessness. Creative turbulence, though, is what the Marmen clearly thrive on and their technical virtuosity yet again brought out the inherent drama. In the reflective, melodic second movement Brahms appears to bring the situation under control, but in the third there is a sense of unease underlying the swinging, dancing melody and the players dramatically evoked the creative tensions. The final movement brings back the driving intensity of the opening and the Quartet delivered it with powerful dramatic effect. It was a triumphant conclusion to an evening of intense exploration of the music, intimate communication, controlled power and technical brilliance.
The recital played to particular strengths of the Quartet which left the listeners almost breathless at times. It would be fascinating to hear them open out other areas of their repertoire with the accomplishment they displayed on this occasion.
For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 12th Jan. 2022 Concert postponed until 6th April due to Covid
Robin Michael/Daniel Tong
Review will appear after the concert
For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 16th Feb. 2022
Oliveros Ensemble
Those Kirkcaldy Music Society members and guests who braved Storm Dudley, and battled the elements to The Old Kirk, were well rewarded. A marvellous concert, given by the Oliveros Ensemble was enjoyed by all.
The Scottish based Trio ( violin, viola and ‘cello) started with an arrangement of the Aria and 6 Variations from Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Originally written for keyboard, it worked well when played by the Trio. The arrangement added new depth to what, for most, was quite a familiar piece. This was followed by a relatively early Beethoven Trio (Op 9 No 2) – written when the young Ludwig was still in the shadow of Mozart and Haydn. Beethoven in his early career tended to shy away from Concertos and String Quartets, as he feared comparison with his two elders, who were masters of those musical forms. In this Trio we start to hear his own unique voice.
After the interval we moved into the 19th century and the Trio played an Allegro in B flat major by Schubert. This lovely piece is thought to be the first movement of a larger unfinished work. However it stood up very well on its own. The final piece on the program took us into the 20th century. The French composer Jean Cras is virtually unknown to today's audiences, which is a great shame. His String Trio is full of melody and dance and exoticism and deserves to get out more. The audience were very appreciative and generous with their applause. The Oliveros Ensemble sent us out into the storm with a beautiful, calm, gentle arrangement by Alisdair Fraser of a traditional Scottish Air.
For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 2nd Mar. 2022.
Propdanova/Ritivoie (Extra concert)
Cellist Yoanna Prodanova and pianist Mihai Ritivoiu had originally been booked to perform in the Old Kirk two years ago—before covid changed the world. They proved to be well worth the wait, delivering a memorable performance which showed why they are international award winners.
From a richly sonorous opening, the shifting moods of Debussy's Cello Sonata in D develop a sense of turbulence which underlies even the reflective cello passages which follow. In these, Prodanova's exquisite playing had her audience rapt, but then fascinated by the diversity of the effects she created in the middle section, even evoking the guitar and mandolin. Ritivoiu's delicate, sensitive fingering gave the cello space to express itself early on, but through the middle serenade, with the piano's emergence as a presence, he established an exciting partnership which brought the Sonata to a vibrant conclusion.
In Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata the Duo created a lovely, balanced conversation with a sense of intimacy which continued throughout. In the middle Adagio Ritivoiu's gracefu, light piano touch complemented the depth of the cello tones perfectly and as they continued into the finale the Duo might almost have been dancing together.
The second half gave us a world premier—with the first performance of the Duo's setting for piano and cello of a selection of songs by Chopin. The cello is the singer, but the piano is given free rein as an equal partner in bringing out the diverse tones and colours of the songs. The compilation makes a delightful interlude and we can anticipate other duos readily taking it up.
Dohnanyi's Cello Sonata brought into play all the qualities which had totally absorbed the audience from the opening moments of the recital—power and delicacy balanced, delivered with intimate understanding and brilliant virtuosity. The surging intensity of the opening movement was sustained into what followed, but now combined with a lyricism which created a startling effect. In the third movement the cello created a mood of deep revery with the piano in thoughtful dialogue, then leading into the mutual energy of the powerful finale. The piece is extremely technically demanding but the Duo gave a soaring performance which left their listeners gasping.
A night to remember.
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For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 16th Mar. 2022
kapoor/Leung Duo
The Kapoor- Leung Duo performed for this second recital in March. This was the first stop on their Scottish Tour. Usha Kapoor (violin) and Edward Leung (piano) gave an excellent concert, the theme of which was “ Collaboration”. They spoke informatively and eloquently before each piece on the program – which added to the audiences understanding and enjoyment of the music. Each piece was composed with a specific musician in mind, who would often help mould the final result. They started with the Brahms Scherzo in C minor – which in itself was a collaboration – with Robert Schumann and his pupil Albert Dietrich providing the surrounding movements of the Sonata. This was followed by Amy Beach’s Romance for Violin and Piano written for the American violinist Maud Powell. Then, Two Pieces for Violin and Piano by the French composer Lili Boulanger, who died tragically young at the age of 25. She was the sister of composer and teacher, Nadia Boulanger. The Brahms Violin Sonata no 3 in D minor completed the program. This was written for violinist Joachim, but eventually dedicated to conductor and pianist Hans Von Bulow. The audience were very enthusiastic in their applause and the duo were called back to finish the evening with an encore of a movement ( Minuetto ) from the Polish composer Grazyna Baecewicz’s Sonata de Camera. The duo played continuously without interval and joined the audience for drinks after the concert. A charming young pair – they chatted and answered questions about their music and careers.
Definitely names to look out for in the future. They filled the Auld Kirk with a depth of sound that belied the fact that there was just the two of them. A real treat. The Society is extremely fortunate to attract very talented musicians who are at the top of their game.
For more information please look at the Programme page here
Wed 6th April 2022 2022
Robin Michael/Daniel Tong
KMS was delighted to, at last, welcome Robin Michael and Daniel Tong for their much cancelled recital. Originally booked for November 2020, that was cancelled due to Covid. The rescheduled date of this January was also cancelled due to travel restrictions leaving Robin unable to leave France. They were able to find a space in their busy schedule to play for us at last. Their all Beethoven recital consisted of the last three Cello Sonatas and Variations on a theme of Mozart. Beethoven was the master of Variation writing and we heard his Seven Variations on a theme from Mozart's Magic Flute. The virtuosic writing for both instruments was expertly dealt with by both players. The Op 69 Sonata for Cello and Piano is his best known and most popular. The players have recorded all the Sonatas and their familiarity with the works and each other was evident, with seemingly effortless playing. After the interval we heard the two Op 102 Sonatas. Written at the start of Beethoven's third period, they are much more mysterious. The second is the only Sonata to have a full slow movement and it is darkly scored with much dialogue between the instruments. This led without a break in to the final movement fugue. The audience was delighted to at last hear this wonderful music, played with such virtuosity.
For more information please look at the Programme page here
AGM 20th April
AGM
The KMS AGM Concert was held in the Old Kirk last Wednesday. The Secretary reported the 2021 AGM had been conducted remotely because of Covid and approved by a quorum of members. The Chairman Mairi Rolland then reviewed the past season. We heard Robin Michael and Daniel Tong at last, even though it was rescheduled again to April 6th. We had two extra concerts, one an extra Tunnell Trust concert with the Prodanova / Ritivoiu Duo held over from 2019, the other a Sunday afternoon concert by the Saanjh Ensemble. The Treasurer presented the accounts which showed a slight surplus of £292. Thanks were made to EMS for their continued financial support and to all those who provided donations and sponsorship. Office bearers and committee members were re-elected and Ruth Fraser agreed to join the committee. Retiring members Hilary Payne and Alison Reid were thanked for their many years of service and presented with flowers and cheques. Stewart Milne had stepped in at the last minute as independent accounts examiner and he had agreed to continue in this role. Concert plans for Season 22/23 were announced, with paper copies available to members. The AGM was followed by a short concert of Baroque music. The 8 musicians (7 string players and a harpsichord player) comprising the local ensemble Cromlit's Lilt, entertained us with concerti grossi by Manfredini, Vivaldi, Torelli and Handel. The leader of the group Ken Clarke introduced each item on the program with insights into the music and the composers. They also played a piece by Fife’s very own James Oswald. “The Almond”, from his Airs for Winter, portraying the bitter- sweet nature of the plant in music. It was written to curry favour with the then king who was a keen gardener and into his flowers. The program was very accessible and melodic. The playing from all the musicians was of an exceptionally high standard. Not only were those in attendance delighted by the music – Ken, told us that they were delighted to be playing for us, after the lean times of lockdown. Their joy in performing was obvious to all and was rewarded with enthusiastic applause and a vote of thanks by Mairi Rolland. Audience and musicians then enjoyed drinks of wine and juice and a delicious selection of canapés provided by KMS committee members. There was lots of time to chat with friends and the musicians, to wind up the season.