Way back in September I told you that we had a concert planned with the lovely Madeleine Mitchell for mid October – a treat which would include pieces by Judith Weir, Mozart and Kodaly. Please spool down the page to get to the video.
At that point thought we could accommodate 12, suitably socially distanced. Then we got the ‘rule of 6’ – 3 musicians, me and an audience of two – plus the cats. But we were not to be deterred and, just before lockdown finally stymied us altogether, we recorded the concert – with an audience of two! I am sorry that it has taken us so long to bring you results.
The programme was:
The Bagpiper’s String Trio (1985) by Judith Weir (b.1953)
- I Salute
- II Nocturne
- III Lament, over the sea
Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and orchestra K.364 (1779) Mozart (1756-91)
- II Andante
Duo for Violin and Cello op.7 (1914) Kodaly (1882-1967)
- I Allegro Serioso, non troppo
- II Adagio
- III Maestoso e largamente, ma non troppo lento
Ave Maria – Gounod (1818-93)
Madeleine was joined by:
David Aspin on viola. David is principal violist in the Orchestra of Opera North and plays in several chamber groups and as a soloist.
Joseph Spooner on cello. Joseph loves exploring unusual repertoire and the Kodaly, a relatively unknown work, was his idea for this concert. He and Madeleine are regular collaborators.
Madeleine as you know, has performed as solo violinist and chamber musician in 50 countries and her repetoire includes many works written for her. She devised the international and eclectic Red Violin festival under Lord Menuhin’s patronage, is Director of the London Chamber Ensemble and a Professor at the Royal College of Music.
Contributing to the musicians’ expenses.
If you have enjoyed the concert and wish to make some contribution to the musicians income – so decimated by COVID19 – please go on to Madeleine Mitchell’s Spotify page where you will find a button where you can donate via their COVID fund. However, nota bene – you can only do this via the app on your phone, not via a desktop computer.
If that doesn’t work for you then please transfer the money into my account (MA Berriedale-Johnson – 12282298 – 08-93-00 – marked Madeleine) and I will pass it on.
BONUS!!!
Madeleine is very happy ‘to throw in’ this lovely recital she gave on November 9th with Nigel Clayton at the piano – Elgar, Ravel, Strauss and Massenet.
The future
Obviously, we have no idea what will happen after 2nd December but we are still hoping that we may be able to record another concert with Charles Whittaker and his colleagues on December 9th. Some of you may have been to the lovely programme they played for us last summer in Lawn Road. And we do have plans for the new year….. Watch this space.
[…] We are so pleased to finally be able to welcome the London Chamber Ensemble back to the completed Hampstead Lane. It has been a while… Indeed, Madeleine’s last visit was at the very beginning of the infamous Rule of Six when she, Joseph and their friend David Aspin played Mozart and Kodaly trios to an audience of three – two humans and Boris!! (If you would like to hear some of it – and despite the paucity of the audience, it was amazing – check in to this post.) […]