Bobbie-Jane Gardner – True Self (World Premier, CBSO Centenary Commission) * Tchaikovsky – Souvenir de Florence

Players from the CBSO string section offered an engaging afternoon concert comprised of the familiar and the unknown.  True Self, a quartet by Birmingham based composer Bobbie-Jane Gardner opened the programme.

After a fragmented opening sequence of short, abrupt gestural flourishes based around the idea of a trill, the work develops with unexpected lyricism. Lead violin, Eugene Tzikindelean’s burnished tone soared over minimalist interlocking ostinato phrases from the rest of the players.  The first violin engaged in some nicely balanced duets with the other instruments.  A homophonic passage with a warm texture and imaginative harmonic progressions leads into a return of the trilling opening idea and a calm and reflective conclusion.

This is a well-structured and satisfying work which was played with great expression, commitment and a strong sense of togetherness by Eugene, fellow violinist Kirsty Lovie, Adam Römer on viola, and 'cellist Eduardo Vassallo.

These four players were then joined by viola David BaMaung and 'cellist Arthur Boutillier for Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. Again, in this work the rapport between the players was clear.  This group of musicians obviously have a great respect and trust for one another and know and respond to each other’s personalities.  Occasionally the passing of a musical idea from one player to another carried with it the intimate feel of a shared private joke.  Quite delightful.

After drama and passion in the opening movement, the Adagio Cantabile flowed with elegance and ease.  All the principles shone in expressive renditions of the main melody and there was some beautifully balanced dueting, particularly between Eugene and Eduardo.

The last two movements wave goodbye to Florence and relocate to the Russian Steppes with some unmistakably Slavic motifs.  The six instrumentalists took these complex and demanding movements in their stride, playing with fire and attack to bring the concert to a searing, pacey and joyful conclusion.

Performers

Violins – Eugene Tzikindelean & Kirsty Lovie * Violas - Adam Römer & David BaMaung * 'Cellos – Eduardo Vassallo & Arthur Boutillier

David Gray & Paul Gray are Reviewers for Birmingham, West Midlands and the Three Choirs Festival. If you would like David & Paul to come review for you, drop us a line at p.gray.20@abdn.ac.uk