Energetic and fully engaging concert
Nightfall – Celebrating the brilliance of Bach. Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, with Oliver Sewell (tenor), Sarah McCracken (violin) and Jennifer Johnson (oboe), conductor Brian Law. Knox Church, August 27.
This, the second in Brian Law’s candlelight hour-long concerts, was all things Bach.
Law put together an engaging, informative and often amusing narrative that took us on a chronological journey from the early instrumental works, to the vocal music of JS Bach’s latter period, to a gem from his son, CPE Bach, with apposite examples along the way.
First mention should go to the three soloists, who did magnificently. Sarah McCracken did a sterling job as both concertmaster and soloist, first in the A minor Concerto then duetting with oboist Jennifer Johnson in the D minor concerto for violin and oboe. Johnson’s playing in previous concerts was a revelation to me, so it was a real treat to hear her fully in a solo role. She reminded me of why I was drawn to the oboe in my youth, that lovely woody sound and almost vocal vibrato, reminiscent of the likes of Holliger or Hunt.
Tenor Oliver Sewell always comes up with something special – his interpretation is spot on and he tells the story so beautifully. Ach Mein Sinn and Benedictus were good examples of this fine young singer’s impassioned delivery, the former full of heart-rending recrimination and the latter a serene, broad melody atop the orchestral accompaniment. Some nice continuo work here, also.
I liked the running gag of CPE Bach’s errant copying skills, with the ensuing musical joke that took us all by surprise, but that composer also provided the challenge of the night for the orchestra, the Presto from the Symphony for Strings in B minor. Bravo to the cellos and basses for keeping it tight and accurate here.
The purely orchestral works were taken from the third and fourth suites. Law can never be accused of erring on the slow side with the tempi he sets and tonight was no exception – energy and drive from beginning to end, this hour flew by. – Patrick Shepherd