Quality cello holiday programme

Eight members of a Dunedin-based cello choir performed at yesterday's lunchtime concert, in Marama Hall, before an audience of 150, including children taking a school holiday opportunity to attend a quality recital.

Formed by Greg Hamilton in 2006, Cellists of Otago now has 16 members, organised by Dunedin cello teacher Judith Davis.

Three concerts a year raise funds for various charities and provide great performance experience for all members, playing repertoire from baroque to contemporary.

Anthony Ritchie compered the recital which began with the ebb and flow of Pachelbel's well-known Canon, followed by the more harmonically textured Adagio, by Albinoni.

Requiem for Three Cellos and Piano op.66, by 19th century cellist D Popper, a contemporary of Brahms, was accorded tight string blend and shared melodic highlights with particularly well-judged strength for pianoforte underpinning (Jonathan Drummond).

I found the arrangement of the popular Tango, by Albeniz, generally lacking in accent and attitude - never really capturing the essence of the dance.

Theme and Variations, a contemporary work by Anthony Ritchie, was ideal for this group. Attractive melodic segments and rhythmic content were shared among the players, with good chamber discipline, shaping and nuance.

A short passionate full harmony arrangement of Im Balladenton, op.65 no. 5, by Norwegian composer Grieg, was such a beautifully expressed performance, and appropriate at a time when the composer's country is experiencing such terrible grief.

A swinging version of the traditional Gospel Train, ended an enjoyable programme.

 

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