Classical review

A Lotus Blossoming. Ensemble Liaison.
Melba CD.

David Griffiths (clarinet), Svetlana Bogosavljelic (cello) and Timothy Young form the trio based in Melbourne that plays Zemlinksy's Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano. 

They are joined by violinist Wilma Smith (former concertmaster of the NZSO, now of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) to perform Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time.

The composers both suffered greatly in World War 2 but, "like the fabled lotus flower emerging from the muddy swamp", rose above those circumstances. The trio (1896), inspired by Brahms' presence in Vienna, appealed to his mentor but was deemed degenerate by Nazis. The quartet, written in a POW camp, is Messiaen's masterpiece, forging a new rhythmic language, mimicking bird calls and reconstructing "time". The works are meticulously performed.

Highlight: Messiaen's mystical messages.


Statham: ... of wine and roses. Puertas Quartet and friends.
Atoll CD. 

This collection of 12 chamber music pieces by Keith Statham is the debut CD by an Auckland-based composer aged in his 70s. English-born Statham began to write serious personal music after he retired to New Zealand in 2000, after 20 years in Hong Kong, where he was director of its Art Festival and ran his own company.

Apart from his four-part Suite for Flute and String Quartet, the works are light brevities, lyrical and melodic easy listening.

Puertas Quartet was previously London-based but Kiwi viola player Julia Joyce and her cellist husband, Andrew Joyce, were recently appointed principal players in the NZSO; the two violinists are London Symphony Orchestra members. Adrianna Lis (flute) and three other Auckland wind players assist in some works.

Novelties: two Landscapes and Happy Ending.


 

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