The Suzuki Method of music teaching is internationally renowned and its concerts tend to be large-scale pedagogical exhibitions. The concert at the Art Gallery of Ballarat last Monday was a pleasing blend of traditional concert programming and performances by talented young musicians.
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The presentations by the student soloists featured polished playing of traditional Suzuki repertoire, including Bach and Vivaldi. Strong technique and mostly secure intonation were the order of the day. The highlight was Elise Wright’s performance of the first movement of Mozart’s fifth violin concerto. This was mature playing, shaped with an understanding of the dramatic force behind the notes.
Lisa Grosman (viola) was the first of the guest soloists, giving a beautifully lyrical reading of the second movement of Brahms’ Sonata Op.120/1. The expansive nature of the work was elegantly unfolded while the warm singing quality was maintained throughout. Visiting Japanese violinist Shozo Matsumoto performed Faure’s Romance Op.28, dramatically contrasting the cantabile opening with the agitated middle section.
Pianist Calvin Bowman, who accompanied most of the performances, was the soloist in Finzi’s “Eclogue” Op.10 for Piano and Strings. This poetic work gradually developed its slow melodic structure, building to climaxes similar to film music. The texture of the sound and balance between the piano and strings were excellent.
The concert finished in a cheeky manner, with the first two movements of Britten’s “Simple Symphony”, highlighting music making for the sheer enjoyment of it.
Bronislaw Sozanski B.A. Dip.Ed. A.T.C.L.
