Zephyr
OGHS Auditorium
October 7, 2012
What an excellent programme of energetic contemporary music for wind quintet, all sharing the sharp and disjointed yet essentially lyrical harmonies and melodic line which typify the 20th and now the 21st centuries.
Zephyr is an ensemble drawn from the principals of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's wind section - flute (Bridget Douglas), oboe (Robert Orr), clarinet (Philip Green), bassoon (Robert Weeks) and horn (Ed Allan).
Their performance provided one of those special treats which are the stuff by which a festival is remembered.
Elliot Carter's Woodwind Quintet (1948) is quixotic, clamorous work in which each instrument strives to maintain its individuality. Gareth Farr's Mad Little Machine is all about rhythm.
Farr is well known and liked for making seriously good fun by being predictably unpredictable and demanding dedication without descending into pretentiousness.
Carl Nielsen's Quintet in E Op. 43 dances through an idyllic village, piquantly romantic and full-heartedly pastoral. Darius Milhaud's The Chimney of King Rene (1939), written for film, takes the listener through several sweetly conjured scenes from a prologue to an evening madrigal.
Australian Ross Edwards' Incantations is made up of breathless phrases where each instrument appears to finish the others' lines, like unfinished thoughts, musings and mantras.
Gyorgy Ligeti's Six Bagatelles shows an energetic wit in the higher instruments which is grounded by the bassoon and oboe.
While it is hard to highlight any one part, the shrill pitches of Ligeti's troubled Allegro Grazioso and his repeated rippling figures contrasted with sweeping melody in the Presto Ruvido stay in the mind's ear.
Zephyr treated us to a wonderful feast, expertly and graciously performed. We eagerly anticipate hearing more.
