BBC Radio 3 presented Turning Points – “A New Instrument Blossoms” at the Stevenson Hall at the RCS at 1 pm today.
“The concert featured Kari Kriikku on Clarinet playing with the Heath String Quartet. artists performing works composed at a time of great musical change. This first concert pairs the remarkable Finnish virtuoso Kari Kriikku with the exciting Heath String Quartet in a programme exploring the development of the clarinet, including the Instrument defining Quintet by Mozart.”
I love to take advantage of these amazing concerts and there was a mild buzz in the theatre as I took my seat.
There was a slight air of tension in the audience as we were asked to be very quiet. One poor lady in front of me had to stifle a cough! Perhaps they should offer a boiled sweet on entry as they did at the ballet that I went to see at the ROH recently.
The audience eased in to the performance though and you could feel the anticipation building in the room. The concert was excellent and my favourite piece was the ‘Babsi’s Decision’ by Eisel. It was lovely, flamboyant and demonstrated some playful question and answer interaction between the first violin and clarinet, this section sounded to me like playful bird calls.
There a was a gritty feel to the music and the clarinet player, Kari Kriikku, was experimenting with different colours and techniques, he even involved hand gestures during his playing.
The Heath Quartet were vibrant and full of energy especially in the canonic sections of the Mozart Fugue when they crest a wave through their bodies and sound. They had amazing connection between the group and all looked extremely happy to be there playing which is most enjoyable for an audience! Really glad I went, great for the mind 🙂 and provided a lift to my Friday!
Hi Charlotte, superbly you describe the atmosphere and music, a pleasure to read. And your photo is very charming and lovely…..
All the best for you
Pascal
Hello Pascal, thank you for your continuing support and lovely comments 🙂 The concert was a great experience and I love to watch these afternoon concerts at College.
Best Wishes
Charlotte
just like the parts of taste – presentation, texture, aroma and taste combine for a meal – music benefits from the posture and confidence and passion of the performers. It lets the audiance connect at another level.
Hi Bill, that’s a brilliant comment! I’ve been working on all of those areas recently and that’s a great way to view it.
Best Wishes
Charlotte
It is amazing how many musical talents Finland has produced. I am somewhat biased having married a wonderful Fin.
Hello Gerard, it was a great concert and he was a fabulous musician.
One of my friends at the RCS is Finish, Inkeri a fabulous mezzo.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sounded like you had a good time. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I’m making the most of these musical experiences whilst I’m training. It is one of the great benefits of attending the RCS 🙂
All the best
Charlotte
A pleasure to read your so well-written and informed commentary. Thank you.
Thank you very much, it’s great to hear that you enjoyed my piece on the concert. Thanks for visiting 🙂
Best Wishes
Charlotte
No matter the genre, the instrument, the music or the audience, when the melodies and harmonies hit their mark it’s a beautiful conjoining of the arts and the soul.
“…no pharmaceutical product could ever equal the rush you get when the band hits that groove; the people are dancin’, and shoutin’, and swayin’; and the house is rockin’!” –Dan Ackroyd, “The Blues Brothers”
Hello Jim, that is an awesome comment, the Blues Brothers! You can’t go wrong 🙂
Best Wishes
Charlotte
Ah, lovely! I always think there’s something delicious about lunchtime concerts, (not that I get the chance to go to many) and then you get to go for tea! Thank you for sharing.
Hello Daisy, lunchtime concerts are fabulous I love performing in them with Russell Lomas when I can and it’s great to watch them too 🙂
Best Wishes
Charlotte
Concerts are very special. So glad you enjoyed this one, which featured so many talented musicians.
Hi Deanie, concerts are special! When music connects with the soul it sparks something magical.
Best Wishes
Charlotte
Thanks for your interest in “Tails from Paris”. We’re now following your blog.
Hey ! You know you can treat yourself with a little trip to Paris if you feel like it : http://sousnoscouettes.com/ …
And you’re back for dinner : we promise !
Alix & Roxane
Hello Alix and Roxane, thanks for the follow 😉 I’d love to visit Paris. Next year I’m singing in French so hopefully will combine the two things if I am lucky and work hard.
Best wishes
Charlotte
With pleasure Charlotte !
What do you sing in French ?
If you manage to come & sing in Paris, let me know I’ll try my best to attend your concert & will show you around.
Roxane is attending Paris Music Conservatory : I’m sure she would love seeing & listening a professional. Alix too.
Have a great day.
Franck
I know … you will soon be Eponine …
Hello Franck,
I sing Italian and German repertoire and just a little French, the Flower Duet (Duo Des Fleurs) is one of my favourites from Lakme, I know Adieu, Notre Petite Table from Manon and Chanson Triste by Duparc.
What discipline is Roxane studying? I’m studying too in my second year 😉
Best wishes
Charlotte
First of all. I would like to thank you for following my Hawaii knits blog. Though I’m afraid I’ve been knitting so much I’ve not taken the time to blog about it. (is something wrong with that statement? 🙂 )
I thought I would drop into see who you were and what you are about. You are someone who would make their parents so proud they would bust the buttons off their coat with pride.
I enjoyed your videos and listening to you sing. Beautiful! I will now follow your blog as I really want to keep up with your career. Again thank you for the follow and much success.
Hello Karen, thank you so much for reading my blog! I hope I make my parents proud. I aspire to be the best that I can be and they’ve helped me so much to get started 🙂
Best Wishes
Charlotte
Thanks for the follow Charlotte. Much luck with your music career. I wish you lots of success.
Hi Betty, thank you for your good luck wishes! I may need them this week 🙂
Best Wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful post! The clarinet is one of my favorite instruments, and I’m pleased to learn of this part of the repertoire.
Hi Dan, I hope that you get a chance to have a listen to the pieces he played I wonder if there is a YouTube version? If I find one i will let you know. He demonstrated such charisma during the performance! Just brilliant.
Best Wishes
Charlotte