Bach- Goldberg Variations BWV 988: Aria
Brophy- Constantinopolis for saxophone and harp (world premiere)
Schubert- Heidenroeslein D 857; Im Fruehling D 882; Der Leiermann (from Die Winterreise D 911); Fruhlingstraum (from Die Winterreise D 911)
Miyagi- Haru No Umi
Greenbaum- Life in a Day
Sculthorpe- Into the Dreaming
Edwards- Arafura Dances
Ravel- Introduction and Allegro
Utzon Music Series
17.02.15, Utzon Room/ Sydney Opera House
For my second concert of the year, I attended the opening concert for the Utzon Music Series for 2015- a harp recital by Marhsall McGuire (and apparently on his birthday too, which was celebrated with tiny, tasty cupcakes!). Although I had previously attended harp recitals presented by my friends, this was my first "real" harp recital that I attended, and I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. Although it was named "Marshall McGuire and Friends", the concert may as well been named "Harp Music Through the Ages and Around the World", "The Harp is Quite a Versatile Instrument", or "HARP MARATHON".
The opening Bach was the first solo harp item for the evening and the polyphonic work clearly demonstrated the virtuosity of the harp. Although the harp is a notoriously difficult instrument to project ("it's a naked piano!", as stated by a close harp-friend of mine), McGuire's sound carried through the intimate setting of the Utzon Room.
The world premiere of Brophy's Constantinopolis was highly rhythmic and had an almost tribal, Stravinsky-esque feel to it. Despite the difficulty of the piece, it was clear that McGuire and Leonard had superb ensemble together.
The next item on the list was McGuire performing selections of Schubert's song cycles withTeddy Tahu Rhodes. Although the original accompaniment part was for piano, McGuire had transcribed them for harp, and it was quite fitting for the songs. Rhodes' baritone voice soared through the room while maintaining a dramatic presence.
The first half ended with two shakuhachi pieces. McGuire explained the pieces and the meaning of the word "shakuhachi". Lee created many differing timbres with the shakuhachi and both performers evoked a strong image of the fishing village and the surrounding seascape within the Miyagi.
The second half kicked off with Australian composers Sculthorpe and Edwards. McGuire was joined by members of the Flinders Quartet (interestingly never mentioned as individual members during the concert or the program). The balance was a bit harsher on the quartet, however the members of the quartet and McGuire successfully presented the rhythmically intricate Edwards. (Edwards was also in the audience).
The night ended with a culmination of McGuire, the Flinders Quartet and clarinettist Frank Celata and flautist Emma Sholl in an electrifying Ravel. Although I was disappointed at the lack of any Debussy music for the evening, the Ravel went above and beyond to dispel any hint of disappointment that might have been remaining.
Overall, apart from the stellar programming with a wide variety of instruments, timeframes, nations (including Australian composers), I was amazed at the sheer virtuosity of McGuire, his stamina to present the concert (twice in one day!), and his sheer concentration at not getting distracted by the incredible view outside. I hope his fingers had a well-deserved rest afterwards!
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| look at that view! |
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