Lost in Life (dedicated to those who died on September 11) was the most moving piece in the concert. You exactly hit the mood of the time. Congratulations!
Great care and thought had obviously gone into the highly atmospheric Conversation Piece by Christopher Wood. The oboe’s announcement of the legato opening subject was well molded, controlled and serious, setting the tone for a warm dialogue with expressive strings. Fluctuations of tempo sounded natural and inevitable and silence was dramatically effective, the parlando musical argument always clear, played with ravishing sound quality. An original twist concluded the dialogue, ensuring an unusual ending to a lovely piece.
Lovely string playing made the String Quartet by Christopher Wood a joy to hear. Its lyrical opening, with the musical argument effortlessly and eloquently passing from viola, violins and cello, was deeply felt. Pauses were atmospheric and contrapuntal writing cleverly handled. Rhythm was taught and well-sprung in the contrasting middle section and the ending was ethereal.
Tinged with a deep autumnal melancholy, it tells of an ageing man’s obsession with the bust of a beautiful young Adonis. I found myself mulling over its meaning long after Carter’s valedictory cri de coeur had been sounded.
Any singers interested in joining GHO should contact Paddy Cockshutt on 078908 18508
Chris Wood on 077 905 143 77
or 020 8715 4436
Orchestral players should email: newtowncom@gmail.com