GOLDNER STRING QUARTET (CONCERT)

Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill September 28

 

Reviewed by Len Power

It was a bittersweet evening as this concert was a farewell performance by the Goldner String Quartet. First formed in 1995 and named after Richard Goldner, founder of Musica Viva Australia, the founding members of the group are still together 30 years later.

Dene Olding, violin, Dimity Hall, violin, Irina Morozova, viola and Julian Smiles, cello played three masterpieces from the string quartet repertoire – works by Robert Schumann, Carl Vine and Franz Schubert.

The concert commenced with Robert Schumann’s Quartet No. 3 in A major, Op.41 No. 3. Composed in 1842 it was the last string quartet that he wrote. It was followed by the 1994 Quartet No. 3 by Australia’s Carl Vine and Franz Schubert’s Quartet in C minor D810, Death and the Maiden, composed in 1824, was the last work on the program.

As expected, the Quartet gave each of these very different works a superb performance. The clarity of their playing brought out additional depth and colour in the works and it was almost like hearing them for the first time. The exciting finale of the Schumann was especially well played, as was the well-known third movement of the Schubert work. Their playing of all three parts of Carl Vine’s Quartet was electrifying.

Goldner String Quartet

For an encore, they played the second movement of Dvořák’s American Quartet. This work with its exquisite melody was the perfect end for the concert.

Violinist, Dene Olding, gave short informative introductions to each of the works. With his dry humour he mentioned that, although this was Canberra’s farewell performance by the Quartet, they might “do a Nellie Melba”. We can only hope!

 

Photo by Peter Hislop

 

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 29 September 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

THE CRITIC (FILM)

Written by Patrick Marber, Anthony Quinn

Directed by Arnand Tucker

Transmission Films

In Cinemas from October 3

 

Previewed by Len Power 25 September 2024

 

Theatre and theatre critics have always had an uneasy relationship. Reviews of shows are often viewed as a necessary evil. A good review of a show can boost box office takings while a poor review may have the opposite effect. Critics have at times been so powerful, they could make or break a show with a single review.

A cruel personal review may amuse the reader but it can have a devastating effect on a performer. Ask any actor who has received one and they can quote it from memory, even if it was written years ago.

In the film, “The Critic”, a famous and feared theatre critic in 1930s London involves a vulnerable young actress in a blackmail scheme to discredit his employer, the new owner of the newspaper that he writes for. The result is devastating for all concerned.

Ian McKellen plays the critic, Jimmy Erskine. Aware of his powerful position, Erskine feels invulnerable and his behaviour and treatment of those around him is appalling. McKellen gives this character a colourful theatricality that is initially amusing but Erskine soon loses our sympathy as his evil nature comes through. It is an exceptional performance of great depth.

Ian McKellen as Jimmy Erskine

Gemma Arteton gives a fine performance as Nina Land, the vulnerable young actress who is desperate for Erskine’s approval and there is good work from Alfred Enoch as Erskine’s live-in assistant, Tom, Lesley Manville as Nina’s mother and Mark Strong as David Brooke, Erskine’s new employer.

Ian McKellen (Jimmy Erskine) and Gemma Arterton (Nina Land)

“The Critic” is a good film with a memorable performance of pure evil by McKellen. It will certainly appeal to those with an interest in the theatre world and, for others, it has a rattling good blackmail plot with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

 

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

 

 

THIS SHINING NIGHT (CONCERT)

Canberra Choral Society

Music Director: Dan Walker

Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest September 21

 

Reviewed by Len Power

 

Celebrating Canberra’s Spring season, Canberra Choral Society’s latest concert was a selection of contemporary choral music by North American composers. The large choir was accompanied by pianist, Anthony Smith, and the direction was by Dan Walker. Rachel Mink, soprano, was the soloist.

Mink commenced the concert with a solo performance of Sure On This Shining Night by Samuel Barber. Her beautiful soprano filled the large church with Barber’s shimmering setting of the words by American, James Agee.

The choir then sang three works, two by American composers, Jane Kozhevnikova and Gwyneth Walker and one by Canadian, Sarah Quartel. With the first, Can We Reflect The Stars, by Kozhevnikova the choir impressed with their performance, creating a truly ethereal atmosphere.

    Canberra Choral Society

In the second work by Canadian Sarah Quartel, “Hope” Is The Thing With Feathers, a setting of the poem by Emily Dickinson, the choir’s sensitive performance underlined the deeper meaning of the poem.

Gwyneth Walker’s Ring Out, Wild Bells gave the choir the opportunity to show the power of their singing. The finale of this joyful work was awesome.

Rachel Mink, soprano

The choral brackets of the concert were interspersed with solo works featuring Rachel Mink. These more intimate works were sung with great sensitivity. Her performances of Barb’ry Allen, He’s Gone Away and Will There Really Be A Morning were particularly outstanding.

The range of works performed reflected the melting pot of North America. Amongst the large number of works presented by the choir, the delicacy of Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque, the warmth of Samuel Barber’s The Coolin and Amy Beach’s beautiful work, Peace I Leave With You, were highlights.

Dan Walker, musical director

Dan Walker’s arrangement of the well-known lullaby, Summertime, by George Gershwin from his folk opera Porgy and Bess, was performed by Rachel Mink with the choir. Walker’s arrangement gave this work a spiritual sense which was unexpected and refreshing and was another highlight of the concert.

The choir also sang another setting of Sure On This Shining Night, this time by composer, Morten Lauridsen. It was a more reflective treatment and equally as beautiful as the earlier Barber arrangement. The Barber setting of this work was then sung by Rachel Mink with the choir, bringing this enjoyable concert of thoughtfully chosen works to a close.

 

Photos by Peter Hislop

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 22 September 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.