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!