Windfall! - play in Robertson

The Chamber Music ensemble Windfall! today played in Robertson for the Robertson Village Music Society. As usual, the venue was the the Christian Education Centre associated with St John's Anglican Church, Robertson.
In front of an appreciative audience they played pieces by Gordon Jacob, Rossini, Faure, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Agay.

This was the third Chamber Music concert which I have photographed and reported on for the Robertson Village Music Society. I believe I enjoyed this concert more than any of the previous concerts, but perhaps that simply means I am becoming more familiar with Chamber Music. Anyway, I certainly enjoyed the music we were offered today, and I know I am not alone in that.

I would have to say that it is difficult for the audience when the ensemble plays an entirely different concert from that which was indicated in the published program. The various musicians did introduce each piece, with a few background notes on the music we were about to hear, and with some potted biographical notes on the composers. But I for one, find it difficult to understand these comments about the various movements being described, without the extra aid of written program notes.

Perhaps true musical aficionados just sit back and relax and enjoy the music, but I prefer to know a little about the music I am hearing. But, as I have stressed before on this Blog, I am not a musician, nor am I experienced in appreciating Chamber Music. So, kindly take these comments for what they are, my personal opinion.

The hall was decorated for the concert with Proteas
grown by Dr David Tranter, of Robertson

While researching this concert I was taken by this quote attributed to Gordon Jacob (the first composer whose work was played by Windfall! today):

• "I think the question of communication is important, because one never wants to write down to an audience, but at the same time I personally feel repelled by the intellectual snobbery of some progressive artists... the day that melody is discarded altogether, you may as well pack up music..." — Gordon Jacob

I am sure that quote would confine both Mr Jacob and myself to the dustbin of modern musical critics - but that's OK with me, as I make no claim to such a profession.

On the other hand, Mr Jacob could defend his own opinion on the basis of his own standing as a composer and musicologist. "By the time Gordon Jacob died on 8 June 1984, aged 89, he had written over 700 pieces of music and several books." Source: Gordon Jacob - a Biographical Summary

Anyway, in keeping with Mr Jacob's philosophy, the music was indeed a melodious. The audience clearly enjoyed the performances and were generous in their expression of appreciation.

A study in concentration
Graham, Carol and John - during the concert today.

For the record, the program played today by Windfall! was as follows.

Jacob, Gordon: Sextet for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon
1. Elegiac Prelude, 2. Scherzo, 3. Cortege, 4. Minuet and Trio, 5. Rondo and Epilogue

Rossini, Gioachino, Quartet No. 1 for flute, clarinet, bassoon and horn
Allegro moderato, Andante, Rondo

Fauré, Gabriel: Dolly Suite
Berceuse, Mi-a-ou, Kitty-Valse, Pas Espagnol.

~ Interval ~

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai: Quintet in B-flat for piano, flute, clarinet, french horn, bassoon, 1876
Allegro con brio, Andante, Rondo

Agay, Denes: Five Easy Dances
Polka, Tango, Bolero, Waltz, Rumba

John playing the Bassoon

Individual photos of members of Windfall! - from today's concert, in Robertson:

Julia Brimo (Piano), with assistant.

Jocelyn Edey-Fazzone - Flute
Carol Coomber - Clarinet
John Cran - Bassoon
Telena Routh - Oboe
Graham Nichols - French Horn

Windfall! concluded their concert with the very bright and breezy (and familiar) Jamaican Rumba, by Arthur Benjamin. Apparently Arthur Benjamin was born in Australia in 1893, but left to live in England, (and for five years in Canada). He died in London in 1960. His popular Jamaican Rumba was a nice Encore piece.

It was a good end to a very interesting concert, which showed great variation in styles of music, even though played upon related wind instruments (and Piano).