A cleverly curated, and brilliantly performed, evening of exciting chamber music
Presented by: Musica Viva
Reviewed: 24 August, 2023
When renowned cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras was approached by Musica Viva do his first tour of Australia, he decided that he wanted to work with regional artists, as well as bring some of the standard cello canon. His wish was granted in the form of koto master Satsuki Odamura, and Adelaide-born emerging cello-maestro James Morley. And the flour which bound this glorious cake together was the commissioning of a special piece for two celli and koto, by extraordinary Adelaide composer, Jakub Jankowski.
And so the silk of the traditional koto strings, the metal of the cello strings, and the wood that frames both, come together in this exquisitely curated program, Silk, Metal, Wood.
The first half of the program, although comprising three, separate pieces, was played as one, with applause being held till the end. All three performers sit in semi-dark with their instruments. A soft spot light falls on Queyras who begins to play the achingly beautiful Cello Suite No1 in G major, by J. S. Bach. As the 6th movement finishes, Odamura takes the light, and delivers Midare, by 17th century composer Yatsuhashi Kengyō, known as the father of the modern koto. The lights then come up slightly as all three musicians deliver the centrepiece of the program, Jankowski’s beautiful Eclogue, which calls for unusual plucking and bowing techniques from both instruments. The composer made the most of the rare combination of cello and koto, to deliver a work that interweaves the three instruments so that they become more than the sum of their parts.
Odamura opened up the second half with a solo koto piece, Letter from a Stranger’s Childhood, by Robin Williamson. Queyras then took centre-stage to deliver a passionate and intelligent performance of Britten’s Cello Suite No 1. He was then joined once again by Morley to complete the evening with the delightful Duo for Two Cellos in B-flat major, by Offenbach.
Music Viva can be rightly proud of this program, and of the support it gives to new works, and new gazes on older chamber music. It is so exciting that Adelaide can produce composers like Jankowski, and musicians of the standard of Morley. And all performing in one of the world’s best chamber music venues, Adelaide Town Hall.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Photo credit:
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall
Season: Finished
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