Open up the French doors

THE Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Bach and the Frenchmen concert next week will include Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.5, featuring soloists Matthew Halls on harpsichord, Emma McGrath on violin, and Douglas Mackie on flute.

TSO concertmaster McGrath said the work was very conversational.

“The flute and the violin often play the same part in harmony, with each also having solos,” she said.

“But the harpsichord is really the star. It can be gently going along and then it just goes wild.

“Then it’s back to typical Baroque music.

“It’s unique among the Brandenburg concertos in that there are woodwind, string and harpsichord soloists, and that’s what makes it stand out.

“The slow movement has a dance feel to it, and the last movement is just pure joy.”

The concert will begin with the world premiere of Richard Mills’ Chorale Meditation on Heut’ triumphieret Gottes Sohn by JS Bach.

“The violin part is very well written and I’ve been enjoying working on it,” McGrath said.

“It’s certainly more dissonant harmonically than a traditional Baroque piece, so he has really brought it into the present.”

Les Elemens — Suite by Rebel is inspired by nature.

“There is earth, water, air and fire,” McGrath said.

“You can hear the birdsong of nightingales, and there is an element of French folk music.

“It’s not typical Baroque music and is very dramatic.

“Pigmalion — Suite by Rameau is all dances of different kinds, ranging from the very elegant to rougher peasant styles. It’s really fun to play music like that.”

The concert will conclude with Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.4.

“There’s a pompous prelude and elegant French dances,” McGrath said. “It has a really joyful ending, so everyone should be in a very happy mood as they leave.”

Conducted by Halls, Bach and the Frenchmen will be performed at Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall from 7.30pm on August 17. Tickets start at $32, go to www.tso.com.au or phone 1800 001 190 for bookings.