Presented by Recitals Australia
Reviewed 13 October 2013
The Kegelstatt Ensemble borrow their name (skittle alley) from a trio composed supposedly in one day by Mozart after a game of skittles with friends. Friendship and pleasure are key philosophies of the group. Their objective to discover and present rare and great chamber music was achieved with their interesting choice of works, with the overarching theme of “Rejoice”.
Founded in 2006, the Kegelstatt Ensemble (at this concert, duos, trio and sextet) performed to an appreciative audience, opening with Lutoslawski’s Bucolics for viola and ‘cello’ (1952). The short work is based on Polish folk tunes, and Ewen Bramble’s ‘cello pizzicato of the second movement Allegretto sostenuto strikingly complemented Anna Webb’s viola melody. The piece, originally written for piano, is made even more interesting by the viola and cello arrangement, transcribed by the composer.
Lutoslawski’s Subito for violin and piano (1992), was next, and pianist Leigh Harrold described the piece as “a nervous, skittish work that moves with the lumpiness of a car with a bad clutch”. I used to own that car. Violinist Lachlan Bramble handled this ‘lemon’ with great finesse and Harrold expertly interpreted the sense of urgency intended by the composer.
Next, the trio changed gears for the much less urgent Brahms Trio for cello, clarinet and piano, Op. 114 (1892), adding clarinettist Stephanie Wake-Dyster. The third movement, Andante grazioso was a highlight.
If we’re keeping with auto themes, the program had so far revealed an electric bicycle, an Osa scooter, and a Mercedes. The final work, Penderecki’s Sextet for clarinet, horn, string trio and piano (2000), drove on in looking a lot like a Leopard 6 Litre Roadster; rare, unusual and appreciated by people who aren’t altogether sure how it’s been assembled.
The South Australian premiere of the two movement, technically challenging sextet, whilst taking us on an emotional roller-coaster, was thoroughly enjoyable.
At Penderecki’s direction, da lontano (“from far away”), horn player Sarah Barrett left the stage for a time, (not as a result of being given time out by the band), and returned later to play “as if far away” (again as directed). How very theatrical of Poland’s greatest living composer, who is a Grammy award winner, and composed for films The Exorcist, The Shining and Shutter Island to name a few.
The Kegelstatt Ensemble’s online presence, prizes for booking in advance, excellent notes on the (paper) program, and an invitation to join the band for complimentary snacks and wine after the gig, are testament to their savvy beyond the music. Broadening their appeal and reach is smart, and brokering sponsorship with a winery is smarter.
Classical music? Welcome to now.
Reviewed by Gordon Forester
Venue: Elder Hall, North Terrace, Adelaide
Season: 13 October 2013
Duration: 1 ½ hours
Photo source: http://kegelstatt.com.au
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