Chipping Sodbury Music Society

The April concert, sponsored by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, featured two young musicians James Turnbull, oboe, and Craig White, piano. Schumann’s three Romances, which opened the concert, were played with great sensitivity in particular the ethereal slow movement. Nielsen’s two fantasy pieces provided a fine contrast. The playful Humoresque was given a notably sparkling treatment.

Craig White’s solo spot, Brahms six piano pieces, revealed a limpid touch in the slow movements and a passionate response to the grander aspects of the work. Three movements from Schumann’s "Funf Stucke in Volkston" each showed a distinct personality. The poignant Langsam a heart rending melody, the Nicht Schnell declamation, and the closing Nicht Zu Rash, lively and folksy, were all played with great conviction and fine control.

Schumann’s wife Clara was also a fine musician and her three Romances gave ample opportunity for the full range of the oboe to be displayed. Curiously Victorian in flavour the work ended with a musical bumble bee in full flight!

Excerpts from Mendelssohn’s well loved Songs Without Words, arranged for oboe and piano, provided charm and melodic beauty enjoyed by soloists and audience alike. Elgar’s rhapsodic Soliloquy was then played with affection and simple dignity.

The final work, Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro, the most substantial of the evening, was given a well integrated and deeply felt performance and the exhilarating Allegro brought the evening to a resounding close. On this evidence an exciting future for both these talented young artists seems assured.

The Society's next concert with The London Schubert Players will be in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday, May 12 at 7.30pm.

Review by Gerry Philp