@ Tolbooth, Stirling, at Wed 17 Feb 2016
Mr. McFall’s Chamber is a long-standing ensemble, dedicated to mixing widely different styles in the same concert. The core group of two violins, viola, cello and bass grows as required by the programme – there are six guest musicians tonight. Two new works have been especially commissioned for this tour.
To begin with, part of this night’s line-up take their place on stage and the first piece of music, exploring character and moods of the poet John Keats, is introduced with just enough information for the audience to digest and put the work into context.
The music begins. It’s expressive, intense and succeeds in conveying the emotion that is intended completely. Violins and bassoon are talking to each other, having a conversation. From charming and over-romantic to drunken and depressive, the piece paints the life story of the poet in seven movements. The audience is captured and stays engaged throughout.
The next item could not be more different: a piece of modern jazz, played with enjoyment and obvious passion, especially by the cellist Su-a Lee. The fine clarinet player Maximiliano Martin has now joined the group.
After this, the appearance of Paul Harrison on keys, Stuart Brown on drums and Iain Sandilands on percussion completes tonight’s ensemble. Paul Harrison does not only play the piano and synthesizer well, he is also the creator of another piece of modern jazz, Con-sequence, delivered this evening.
They carry on with fast, humorous music by Raymond Scott to the charged tones of Frank Zappa. Zappa is played loud, but not too loud, with lots of energy and the violins are working hard.
Listening to this is a great pleasure, even if the genre is unfamiliar or even disliked. Every offering is introduced in a witty and informative fashion. The first half flies by, as does the second, with even more musical styles to increase variety. The musicians are introduced gradually and appropriately. All together, it’s a rounded, uniquely varied and hugely enjoyable programme that makes even difficult music accessible.