Violin Favourites - Musica da Camera

Violin Favourites

Musica da Camera

Holy Covenant Anglican Church, Cook, 

September 21,  2019

by Tony Magee

MAX BRUCH'S “Concerto No. 1, Op. 26 for Violin and Orchestra” presented a challenging opening for Musica da Camera and 16 year old violin soloist Sam Jenkin, one which they pulled of successfully.

Beginning with a tentative orchestral wash, almost as if someone is whispering a secret, Jenkin emerged with a violin cadenza opening of heartfelt passion. There was much to enjoy along the way, particularly strong support from the four cellos and single double bass in an extended orchestral interlude. 

Whilst there were various intonation problems here and there, the work came to a secure conclusion with Jenkin again stating the cadenza theme, this time with flourishes and embellishments of great feeling, with all the players coming together with a final chord beautifully in tune.

A Percy Grainger coupling followed. In “Irish Tune from County Derry”, the theme was stated with feeling and grace by the cello and viola sections and later taken over by first and second violins. In “Molly on the Shore”, which bears some similarity to Britten’s “Simple Symphony”, the ensemble displayed fine dynamics with effective pizzicato work from cellos and double bass.

“St Paul’s Suite” by Gustav Holst revealed enthusiastic and robust playing from the entire chamber orchestra, with good balance between the sections. Second violins played an effective ostinato during the second movement and in the third “Intermezzo” section, sweeping solo violin passages, played with confidence and style by leader Madeleine Retter, were infused with the entire first violin section most effectively and with precision.

Samuel Barber’s most famous piece, “Adagio for Strings” opened the second half of the concert. The ensemble managed to capture the increasing dynamics of the piece, beginning with a sad, quiet, but enveloping opening and increasing slowly to a climax of forte in the high registers of all the string instruments. Often used at US state funerals, the piece finishes on an optimistic major dominant chord of gentleness - something which Musica da Camera clearly felt and played with sensitivity.

To close, the engaging and hugely popular “Concerto for two violins in D minor” by Sebastian Bach. Sam Jenkin joined Madeleine Retter and the two soloists swept the piece along with the ensemble sometimes scrambling to catch up. A most engaging performance, where Retter and Jenkin played together with confidence, delivering a robust tone with intelligent phrasing and balance.

In this, as with all the pieces, one thing that needs to be addressed is the relationship between the players and their leaders, both within each section and the orchestra as a whole. This would fix the rhythmic and tempo inaccuracies which sometimes occurred. In addition, Retter needs to display a more commanding presence as leader, with body language, bow gestures and eyes.

This mixed aged group ensemble put their all into this concert and delighted the audience from start to finish. A creditable effort from an enthusiastic group who adore fine music.

First published in City News Digital Edition, September 22, 2019