Illuminate Adelaide. Nexus Arts. 6 Jul 2024
Finland-born, Melbourne-based vocalist, double bassist and composer, Helen Svoboda, is a unique and highly accomplished performer with a compelling stage presence, and her fabulous solo concert at Nexus Arts was keenly anticipated and hugely appreciated.
Svoboda has worked with a variety of ensembles, performing jazz and experimental music, and the distinctive character of her voice and her playing adds a dimension to every ensemble with whom she works.
As a soloist, she performs her own compositions, drawing on a magical blend of musical genres and her own fertile imagination to create a sound world unlike any other.
She opened by singing unaccompanied a slow, delightfully melodic tune that created the character of the cool northern Finnish landscape, the tune commencing in the alto register before suddenly leaping up an octave and then back again. She then began bowing the bass in a rather discordant, agitated manner to contrast starkly with her melismatic vocal line. At times, the bass and voice follow the same melodic line, in the same register and with the same timbre, creating a seductive duet. Towards the end, she recapitulates the first theme in the voice.
Her bowing explores the harmonics and overtones in the bass, with atonal or microtonal passages, and it combines with her voice to create a dense weave of sound, peppered with abrupt shifts in register, dynamics and texture. All kinds of motivic material emerges and can as easily disappear or return transformed.
She later tells the audience that the first song was actually about a beetroot. Evidently, vegetables are a recurring theme in her music.
As well as bowing the bass and playing pizzicato, she uses a range of extended techniques to explore the sonic potential of the bass, including tapping the body or the bridge, bowing while plucking, wrapping a section of string with aluminium foil to create a mildly buzzing effect and even catching the handle of the bow against the string as she bows to create a rhythmically percussive effect. Bass solos punctuate her performance, her bowing ranges from the gentlest of touches to vigorous scrubbing, and her use of all these techniques is virtuosic.
Her second song involved continually repeating the line ‘when it rains, it pours’, accompanied by the widest variety of sonic effects in the voice and the bass. Another song involves passages in which she repeats the Finnish word ‘kuu’ (moon) in a dreamily high soprano, interspersed with passages of a growling ‘hey’, emphasising the contrast in the character of the voice to create a dialogue in vocal sound, and complementing this with complex bass patterns.
Svoboda cites singers Meredith Monk and Björk as influences and her performance also recalls Luciano Berio’s writing for voice insofar as she explores what can be achieved vocally.
She is concerned with the environment and attunes herself to its sounds and physicality, as if she is transcribing her perceptions of the environment into sound — the effect is quite hypnotic as well as being highly musical. Her performance often seems improvised, as if it is a response to some inner rumination, and each performance of a piece will be different as she allows herself to react to her own sound as it evolves.
This was a magnificent concert. Helen Svoboda’s visits to Adelaide are all too rare but catch her if you can.
Chris Reid
When: 6 Jul 2024
Where: Nexus Arts
Bookings: Closed
Adelaide String Quartet. Elder Hall. 5 Jul 2024
Vanguard is the current six-city, seven-concert touring program of the Australian String Quartet, and tonight’s concert sees the conclusion of the tour and the ASQ returning home.
These days programmers always seem to ‘name’ their concerts and then wax eloquent in program notes about how the name perfectly describes the connections between the various musical choices. Sometimes the rationale behind the chosen program name is blindingly obvious, and apt, and at other times it’s a contrivance. In the case of Vanguard, the name is very appropriate: the three composers, and indeed the three featured compositions, are ‘out in front’. They are exceptional, and they draw attention to themselves for all the right reasons.
The program features Beethoven’s String Quartet No.12 in E-flat major, Op. 127, contemporary Australian composer Harry Sdraulig’s String Quartet No.2, and Erich Korngold’s String Quartet No.2 in E-flat major, Op.26. What an interesting musical sandwich it proved to be. The Beethoven outer layer anticipates post-romanticism, arguably, and the Korngold layer is firmly entrenched in post-romanticism, although one might expect it to be more modern. The very modern Sdraulig filling occasionally gives a clear nod to the traditions that have informed it, and it is comforted by those traditions but stands separate to them – indeed a vanguard.
The Beethoven string quartets are icons of the genre, and the String Quartet No.12 in E-flat Major, Op. 127, was composed at the front end of Beethoven’s ‘late period’. It reflects a time in his life of great introspection and acceptance of his mortality. It starts with a comforting and avuncular musical statement in E-flat. Almost ordinary, but that soon changes – Beethoven is rarely conventional. The work is underscored by an almost perfect dynamic schema chosen by the ASQ. It’s a longish work, coming in at around thirty-five minutes, and so it is easy to to overplay loud sections and underplay quieter sections, but Dale Barltrop (violin), Francesca Hiew (violin), Chris Cartlidge (viola) and Michael Dahlenburg (cello) have scrutinised the work within an inch of its life and sustain a finely balanced dynamic palette throughout. Indeed, Hiew commented that the ASQ has been working on this piece for eighteen months and that it is under their skin! Especially in the fourth and final variation in the second movement, the quietest moments are produced by exquisite tones on the four instruments, and the contrasts with the more robust phrases are, in retrospect, contrasted impeccably with similar moments at other places in the composition. A well laid plan perfectly executed. There is so much in this composition. Mahler once opined that the whole world is a symphony. Beethoven must have felt the same about a string quartet.
Harry Sdraulig’s String Quartet No.2 was was commissioned by ASQ sponsor John Griffiths for his wife Beth to celebrate their wedding anniversary. As such, it is motivated by an expression of the love of one person for another, pure and simple, and it was written for the ASQ to première. It is not an overly long composition – there are often constraints imposed on new commissions – but it seems much longer than it is. Again, a string quartet can contain the world! Although it is scored as a single continuous movement, it has four discernible sections that traverse different musical (and performance) styles, moods and traditions. The transitions between sections are vexing; you sense a change coming, but you want its arrival to be delayed as long as possible so that the current musical ideas are developed further, and further. Your mind rapidly fills in what might have been, as Sdraulig drags you kicking and screaming (not quite!) to the next. It’s an exhilarating ride, and the ASQ have surely given an authoritative account of this new work that has been introduced to the world for the first time on this Vanguard tour!
Harry Sdraulig was in the audience and gratefully acknowledged the thunderous applause at the end of the performance. Sdraulig is a rare gem, and his music deserves to be frequently programmed. He is a leader in contemporary Australian art music composition.
Erich Korngold’s String Quartet No.2 in E-flat major, Op.26. was written in 1933 just before he left Europe for America (where he came much better known for his film music than anything else). The first movement is beguiling: instruments are playing together, and within themselves, and one has a sense that we are being prepared for something to happen. The second movement is fun, lively and spry – Chris Cartlidge describes it as jaunty – and brimful of songlike tunes. The third movement is romantic and… almost cinematic! (It had to happen!) It starts in quite a foreboding way and arguably evokes the finest in Eastern European trio and quartet writing. The final movement evokes the sounds of Vienna and Johann Strauss, but on steroids, as Cartlidge quipped! This string quartet is an absolute eye opener, and it is not a stretch to suggest that many in the large Elder Hall audience had their minds changed about Korngold, for the better.
Many thought the highlight of the program was the Korngold, but for this reviewer nothing was better than the sublime adagio second movement of the Beethoven. It is now under my skin as well.
The Australian String Quartet is one of Adelaide’s treasures and richly deserves our support. They never disappoint. Indeed, they are an important musical force that keeps the art of composing and performing string quartets very much alive. Their next ‘gig’ is in late July, where they can be seen supporting the next generation of quartet performers at the “Elder Conservatorium String Quartet Course”. Details are available online.
Kym Clayton
When: 5 Jul
Where: Elder Hall
Bookings: Closed
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Adelaide Town Hall. 29 Jun 2024
In 2023 the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra presented Rachmaninov’s three piano concertos in a special series of concerts. They were outstanding. This year, the ASO has presented another special series, and this time Rachmaninov’s three symphonies have been featured. The third and final concert was tonight, and maestro Andrew Litton went out on a high note but perhaps a little bit wearied. He threw everything he had at the series, and tonight’s concert was especially challenging, in both a physical and a musical sense.
The program included Aaron Copland’s ballet suite Appalachian Spring, Samuel Barber’s Concerto for Violin, Op.14, and Sergei Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.3 in A minor, Op.44. Each of these compositions is plucky and insatiable in the demands it places on the musicians (as well as the conductor). Backs were arched and strained smiles appeared on faces as the ASO accounted for itself exceedingly well across the breadth and depth of the program, and, in the final exultant moments of the symphony, Litton was literally leaping into the air driving the orchestra relentlessly to the climax. It was exhilarating!
Litton must have felt at home with the program, for it had an all-American flavour to it, even Rachmaninov’s symphony, with the composer’s pathway to becoming an American citizen well on the way. There are even hints of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s song Shenandoah in the first movement (at least according to this reviewer!).
Copland wrote Appalachian Spring suite for the dancer/choreographer Martha Graham and her company. It is driven and cheerful and remains one of his most popular works. Litton carefully managed the phrasing and rhythms throughout and the woodwinds (particularly the clarinet) and brass were especially fine.
Emily Sun performed Barber’s violin concerto with great style, apparent ease, and great respect for its lyricism. In three movements, the real appeal lies in the andante second movement with its long orchestral introduction, early oboe solo performed beautifully by principal oboe Joshua Oates, followed by melodic surge after surge from Sun. On occasion the melodic material from the solo violin ends with dissonance, but Sun made it sound particularly sweet. The final movement is a musical roller coaster, with a plethora of technical difficulties for the violin to manage. Sun performed the requisite spiccato without fuss, and at great speed, and her thunderous applause at the conclusion of the concerto was well deserved.
Rachmaninov’s third symphony is scored for a large orchestra, including celesta and harp, and the Town Hall stage was brim full to almost overflowing. A truly impressive sight! Like the Barber violin concerto, the symphony is also compellingly energetic and borders on being relentless. It is also ripe with melody and evokes rural and diverse sweeping landscapes with its changing rhythms. Litton established bold tempo and dynamic schemas from the outset, which ensured that the melodic material sounded fresh and never over-emotional. Principal horn Adrian Uren was at the top of his game and essayed the opening phrases of the first and second movement with a beautiful tone.
At the conclusion of the concert, Litton allowed the entire orchestra to receive individual accolades section by section from the large audience. Perhaps the orchestra’s greatest accolade came from Litton himself, and it was well deserved.
Kym Clayton
When: 29 Jun
Where: Adelaide Town Hall
Bookings: Closed
Australian Chamber Orchestra. Adelaide Town Hall. 25 Jun 2024
As some foods prepare the palate for other foods, so too can carefully selected music prepare the aural senses for other music. Who would have thought that Aroura, by Greek-French avant-garde contemporary composer Iannis Xenakis, would be an ideal introduction to Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major, Hob. VIIb/1? Well, Nicolas Altstaedt thought so, and it is a stroke of musical programming genius.
Nicolas Altstaedt is one of the world’s best cellists and he is performing with and directing the Australian Chamber Orchestra in its current Australian tour. The program he has curated is a mix of iconic and well-known works, such as the Haydn, contrasted with compositions that would likely only be familiar to aficionados, such as the Xenakis. The overall impact of the program was a sense of exhilaration and reawakening.
In addition to the Haydn concerto and Xenakis’ Aroura, the program also included the first and second movements from Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ, three movements from contemporary Hungarian composer György Kurtág’s Officium breve, in memoriam Andræ Szervánszky, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 (arranged by Bernard Rofe), and Four Transylvanian Dances by Swiss composer Sandor Veress.
The concert featured sixteen ACO musicians (mostly performing on highly regarded period instruments) ably led by principal violin Helena Rathbone, with Altstaedt directing the concert, performing as a member of the ensemble and also as soloist in the Concerto and the Rococo Variations.
Altstaedt looked dramatic on the podium, with his shock of unruly hair, and his expansive relaxed-fit chemise and harem style pants. His first appearance spells anything but conventionality, and there was nothing predictable from then on. With little fuss, Altstaedt sat amongst the ensemble and led them immediately into the Introduzione from The Seven Last Words of Christ, which was followed with almost no break (and certainly no time for applause) by the Officium breve, and then the terremoto section from the from The Seven Last Words. With the completion of this ‘bracket’, the audience was finally able to show its appreciation, and it was deservedly generous. We heard hauntingly beautiful melodies contrasted with strong pulsing chords. The modern juxtaposed with the classical. Raw emotion set alongside mystical introspection. Fresh ways to listen to music that has endured the ages.
Altstaedt’s reading of the Rococo Variations put his full arsenal of technical excellence and musical mastery on display. Being a relatively small ensemble, comprising mainly period instruments with wonderfully warm tones, Altstaedt’s playing was foregrounded and was luminous in its clarity and and almost impetuous with its sustained momentum. It was like discovering the composition for the first time all over again.
The Four Transylvanian Dances exuded the influence of Bartók and were brim full of excitement and joie de vivre. Stefanie Farrands’ work as principal viola was a highlight as was the perfectly synchronised foot stamping in the final dance. Again, clarity from individual instruments was always evident.
After the interval the audience was at first confronted by the initial chaos and cacophony of the Aroura. Altstaedt conducted from the podium and did not play. There was no attempt to beat the timing. Rather, he communicated the ‘feel’ of the extraordinary piece with a darting glance here, a look there, an expressive and appreciative smile on occasion, and always with a clear connection between himself and Rathbone. When the Aroura was over, Altstaedt led the ensemble immediately into the Haydn concerto as he gently but assuredly took hold of his own cello and seated himself on the front podium. With perfect timing he readied himself and entered precisely on time. Novel, and extraordinary. The sense of melody throughout was strong, and there was a playfulness reminiscent of the great Jacqueline du Pre. Altstaedt’s attack and pace in the finale was refreshing, and the audience erupted into applause, sheering, and whistling as soon as the final note was played.
Altstaedt was called back four times by the audience. It would have been more if he hadn’t chosen to offer a Boccherini encore accompanied by two of the violins. A gentle conclusion to the evening.
It was a magical concert, and much of the joy was due to the skilful and inspired programming as much as it was to the masterful musicianship of seventeen musicians all at the top of their game.
Kym Clayton
When: 25 Jun
Where: Adelaide Town Hall
Bookings: Closed
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Adelaide Town Hall. 26 Jun 2024
Maestro Andrew Litton conducted Rachmaninov’s mighty and much-loved Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 26 from memory. This is no mean feat. The symphony comprises four movements, is scored for a large orchestra, is richly detailed, and comes in around sixty minutes. But perhaps it is not too surprising, as Litton has recorded it twice: with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1990, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra more recently in 2015.
So, Litton knows the work well, and it shows. The capacity audience loved his interpretation so much they erupted in spontaneous and joyous applause before the final chord even had a chance to fade away into the expanse of the Adelaide Town Hall. As he was taking his bows, he accepted the customary bouquet of gorgeous Tynte Flowers and carefully removed a rich red rose and presented it to Concertmaster Kate Suthers, who richly deserved it. Litton then acknowledged principal clarinet Dean Newcombe, who beautifully played a solo in the third movement, timpanist Andrew Penrose, whose timing and intonation was impeccable throughout, Sami Butler and the rest of the percussionists who never faulted in adding sparkle, the brass players and horns who were bold and imperious, almost choral-like, the woodwinds who almost broke our hearts as they played plangent melodies, and of course the passionate but superbly discipled strings who ultimately shoulder the load.
The Symphony is so rich with glorious melodies that some of them have been quoted in film such as Birdman, starring Michel Keaton, and in pop songs like Never Gonna Fall in Love Again by Eric Carman, and If I Should Love Again by Barry Manilow. The melodies are so tuneful they become earworms and members of the audience were humming them as they were leaving the Hall, undaunted by the cold Adelaide winter evening. They are so tuneful that they risk being played in an overemotional and syrupy way, especially the iconic Dies irae theme so loved by Rachmaninov, but Litton had none of that. He demanded, and received, discipline and control, and the ASO performed and sounded as good as it ever has.
The concert began with virtuoso Konstantin Shamray giving a breath-taking performance of Prokofiev’s Concerto for Piano No. 3 in C major, Op.26. Shamray is well known to Adelaide audiences – he lived and worked amongst us for several years – and his virtuosic skills are almost the stuff of legend. His technique is phenomenal, and the clarity and depth of sound he produces stands in contrast to the efficiency and modest grandiosity he demonstrates at the keyboard. Litton frequently had his eyes on Shamray and between them they negotiated a cracking pace from the outset. At times I thought it was too pacy, but the aforementioned discipline of the orchestra and Shamray’s astounding ability to articulate regardless of how punishing the tempo and dynamics might be ensured success. It was so successful the audience spontaneously applauded at the end of the first movement. The flute and clarinet at the beginning of the second movement were quite blissful, and Shamray rode the wave and negotiated the difficult cross hand work with apparent ease. The turbulent third movement saw Shamray execute pianistic gymnastics with blistering arpeggios, with, I am told, an instance of playing two notes simultaneously with the one finger (not a thumb, which is much easier)! All in an evening’s work, and the audience lapped it up and showed their appreciation with thunderous applause.
There is one more concert in this Rachmaninov series, and it will feature Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 3. It plays Saturday 29 June 2024 at 7.30pm in the Adelaide Town Hall, and tickets will be scarce. Don’t delay.
Kym Clayton
When: 26 Jun
Where: Adelaide Town Hall
Bookings: Closed