A wonderfully themed show, the exchange of music between Chee and Smiles like animated conversation
Presented by: Selby & Friends
Reviewed: 13 July, 2023
This year the Selby & Friends concert series, which has been touring nationally since 2007, includes the chamber music of three highly influential composers in Iconic ‘Fathers’.
In this performance are the works of Austrian composer of the classical period Joseph Haydn, the father of the genre; Antonin Dvořák, the father of nationalism who blended folk music into symphony, and Arnold Schoenberg who fathered new structural tenets in musical composition. Thematically these three composers were chosen for their pioneering efforts.
Joining the Order of Australia (2013) and founder of Selby & Friends pianist Kathryn Selby is Julian Smiles on cello and Concertmaster of the Gürzenich Orchestra Natalie Chee on violin.
First up is Joseph Haydn’s (1795) Piano Trio in D-Major Hob XV:24. Violinist Natalie Chee delivers the performance notes to set up the auditory expectations. I find this piece light and cheerful, and it is a relatively short set. A great choice to start the show with, as it readies the audience for Schoenberg.
Julian Smiles introduces Arnold Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht for Piano Trio, Op. 4, explaining what is meant by developing variation in musical texture. Amusingly he relays the inspiration behind this composition, that being Richard Dehmel’s poem where a couple are walking together at night, the woman pregnant with another man’s child. The woman’s anguish turns into a confession, the man reflects upon it, accepts and forgives; for “how brightly the universe shines”, and they will raise the child together.
The moods depicted in this piece give the audience a deep emotional metaphor, suitably it is prior to the intermission and in the middle of the performance. Chee and Smiles’ balance and harmony is flawless in this piece which has a high level of dynamics, and the requisite synchronicity clearly on display to the audience.
After intermission is Antonin Dvořák’s Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op.90 “Dumky”, introduced by Kathyrn Selby. A perfect end to the show, although I found the piano’s presence a little muted at times.
I highly recommend attending a Selby & Friends concert, it is a brilliant way to enjoy a wintry afternoon and predictably enjoy the classics.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Photo credit: supplied
Venue: Elder Hall
Season: ended
Duration: 2 hours includes intermission
More News
