Orchestra excels in Lichfield performance

Review by Christopher Arnold

Mozart and Mendelssohn are two of the great tune-smiths of all time. They had a lot in common.

Both showed talent as children, having composed several symphonies by the time they were 15, both travelled and used their travels to inspire their music and both died before their 40th birthdays.

Lichfield was treated to some of their finest compositions on Saturday (September 26) by the maturing Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra, under their conductor Philip Scriven.

The Hebrides overture is well known to music lovers.

Mendelssohn visited Scotland in 1829 and painted a musical picture of the coast, probably while recovering from a road accident which immobilised him in LOndon for two months.

The strings excelled themselves with the softest of pianissimos rivalling more established orchestras.

The wind too, produced an impeccable sound and the slow crescendos were beautifully measured by the whole orchestra.

Mozart originally composed his clarinet concerto for a new instrument able to play lower notes than the conventional clarinet of the time.

It was premiered shortly before his death in 1791 and shows off the instrument's ability to create the lower register.

It presents an optimistic view of life with nimble and cheerful meldies.

Even the slow movement so traditionally the home of deep soul-searching maintains a positive outlook on life.

The soloist, Peter Sparkes played with a mellifluous beauty and managed the potentially hazardous balance with the orchestra with ease.

The sense of well-being produced by the concerto was enjoyed by all, including our local MP.

After the interval, thanks were given to all the orchestra's supporters by founder Alexander Laing before he led the group into the second half.

The concert concluded with Mendelssohn's Italian symphony. This was commissioned by the Philharmonic society of London in 1833 and depicts the Italy Mendelssohn found during his tour in 1830.

It is a grand piece designed to show off the artistry of a competent orchestra with a musical representation of early nineteenth century Italy.

There is the noise and bustle of an Italian town depicted by the lightest of violins and most sonorous of cellos.

The soulful movement suggests mature reflection before the love expressed in the third.

The fiery Latin temperament provides a fitting end to the piece.

The orchestra excelled, clearly enjoying themselves and the music they were playing.

Good live music has an excitement and spontaneity impossible to capture in even the best recordings.

The DECO are to be congratulated on top class performances in Lichfield for tickets priced at less than a single CD.

Watch out Birmingham. You have competition!