"Soloists shine in classical concert"

Hanover Band

Concord College, Acton Burnell

Shropshire Star - 16 Oct 2007

Directing from the harpsichord, Andrew Arthur led the Hanover Band in a concert called 'Splendours of the Baroque'.

The programme consisted of three works by JS Bach and two by Telemann.

This was a concert of contrasts, Telemann's music being less complex and intellectually challenging than Bach's, though both composers would surely have been delighted with these performances.

The opening work was Bach's first Brandenburg Concerto, lavishly scored for two horns, three oboes, bassoon, violin solo and strings. Here, as throughout the concert, there was a superb clarity - the complexity and beauty of Bach's writing were apparent through the crisp, superbly balanced playing.

It is a jubilant, triumphant composition, giving the soloists scope for their virtuoso playing.

Telemann's concerto for three trumpets, oboes, timpani and strings was given an equally exuberant performance.

In Bach's Concerto in E the leader of the orchestra, Madeleine Easton, played the solo part. Accompanied by just five string players and harpsichord, this was a truly chamber performance, and a fine moment in a superb concert.

Andrew Fetch

Last Updated : 07/12/2007