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Oxford
Chamber Music Festival
Freud's
Performed by James Boyd, Renaud Capucon, Isabelle Faust, Henning Kraggerud,
Priya Mitchell, Jean-Guihen Queyras and Jan Soderblom
Freud's, in Walton Street, Jericho, seems to sum up so much of one of
Oxford's many facets. An eighteenth-century church, it has been transformed
into a modern performance space, while still retaining much of its original
character. It seemed an ideal venue for the sixth concert in the Oxford
Chamber Music Festival, which featured both twentieth-century Hungarian
repertoire and traditional folk music. A sense of unity in the programme
was provided by the exotic-sounding modality, lively dance rhythms and
haunting melodies that pervaded the music, creating an evening of contrasts.
Bartok's Duos for Two Violins opened the programme, easing the audience
into the new sound world. Performed by two pairs of violinists who interchanged
constantly between movements, the interpretation emphasised the folk-music
basis of the music by conveying a great sense of energy and rhythm that
was clearly evocative of dance music, and a more nostalgic sound more
similar to a vocal lament. The audience reacted enthusiastically to
the changes in character between the pieces, picking up on the intensity
of the performers, who at times were hunched over the music stands like
demonic Paganini-like figures, and at others relaxed into the flowing
melodies.
Additions to the advertised programme were Kurtag's Five Pieces for
Viola, performed by James Boyd. Another energetic performance, the music
once again captured much of the spirit of the folk music that was to
be heard later, albeit with a more abstract, shifting sound.
Kodaly's Duo for Violin and 'Cello was particularly well received, the
performers having built up a good rapport with the audience through
a casual yet confident stage presence. Despite the growing heat and
gloom in the hall, the performers carried off a stirring rendition of
the piece, reflecting Kodaly's love of his own folk music and heritage.
It was a shame that some members of the audience, who in the first half
of the concert had appeared to be concentrating intensely on the music,
now began to whisper and shuffle about in the second half. Not only
was this off-putting for other listeners, but was very disrespectful
to the musicians - the folk group Hegedos - who gave a rousing performance
of traditional Hungarian music. Fortunately, the instrumentalists were
not put off by these distractions, and regularly confounded those who
attempted to clap in time to the strong beat of the music by unexpectedly
changing rhythm. Their music was both energetic and moving, and while
some pieces, such as the czardas, sounded familiar, much of it was would
have been unapproachable had the performers not introduced it first.
The result was a foot-stomping performance and a rare opportunity to
hear such passionate music played live.
Olivia Rowland
03-07-01
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