Reviewed by Andrew Buchanan-Smart
Works by: Schumann, Jun Nagao, Yasuhide Ito, J S Bach, Rossini, Chesnokov and Sullivan & Peterik
Niels Bijl - Soprano, Tomomi Johnston - Alto, Simon Brew - Tenor, Michael Jamieson
Enroute to New Plymouth for a saxophone convention, the Akiri Quartet organised this lunchtime concert for the benefit of Cambridge and other Waipā residents. The 70 plus patrons who were fortunate to attend were treated to a well designed and beautifully performed 1 hour programme – ideal for the middle of the day.
I was somewhat apprehensive about listening to Schumann’s Träumerei performed by four saxophones but after the first bar that disappeared and I was seduced by the beautifully mellow timbres and wonderfully homogenous sound. The mellifluous ensemble gave a very sensitive account, using tempo rubato to explore the romantic nature of the work, creating space for phrases to resonate. The final chord was exquisitely balanced.
By contrast the Nagao Comets was full of energy and vibrant flourishes in the out sections, while the more sombre middle section worked as a lovely balance adding depth to the work.
Yasuhide Ito’s Ryukuan Fantasy was a joyful work full of song and dance themes which in some way was rhythmically reminiscent of the repetitive minimalist music, and were very clearly and rhythmically articulated.
Bach’s (Grave form BWV 1003) on the saxophone? Suffice to say, I was, and am converted from a purist’s stance. It was sensitive, offering a full range of colour and textures that captured the essence and style of Bach.
An excellent arrangement of a Rossini aria Rest Immobile was enjoyable because the vocalise quality came through, with all the inner voices finding expressive clarity within.
Chesnokov’s Do Not Cast Me Off performed by four baritone saxophones (taken from the Concerto for Basso Profundo, which epitomises the Russian choral tradition where basses can sing extremely low) was not only beautiful but was wonderfully performed where the balance of the voices, the level of dynamic (soft) where long low notes were masterfully controlled and performed.
The Eye of the Tiger was a lively and upbeat way of finishing a very enjoyable concert.
I hope that this lunchtime concert initiative will be the beginning of many.
