Impressive performance
Immensely talented duo Catriona Morison and Malcolm Martineau entertained members of Strathearn Music Society during a well-attended concert in Crieff last week.
It was as recently as 2017 that Catriona became the first UK – and, of course, Scottish – singer to earn the coveted title of Cardiff Singer of the World.
The title seems to automatically confer “established” status but is awarded in recognition of huge talent as well as global promise for the future.
Hers is a rare voice, utterly beautiful in all respects, and her audiences are fortunate indeed to be witnessing the early stages of an obviously stellar career.
A singer of this calibre is also worthy of the very highest quality of musical accomplice and last Wednesday in Crieff’s St Andrew’s Hall she was partnered by pianist Malcolm Martineau.
At this stage of his own career, Malcolm probably wouldn’t take exception to being called an elder statesman of the keyboard.
And the fact that both are Edinburgh born and bred will always add an extra degree or two of warm pride for listeners on this side of the Border.
Six songs by Grieg, followed by Schumann’s Frauenliebe und Leben, came first in an intimate repertoire which immediately focused the ears, eyes and souls and compelled attention and involvement throughout.
More, and even darker, Schumann ensued after the interval in the form of his four Mary Stuart Songs, after which a selection of five love songs by Brahms offered a welcome contrast to lift the spirits.
Three well-known English songs from the early 20th century brought the evening to a blissful and rapt close – Sleep by Ivor Gurney, Silent Noon (Vaughan Williams) and King David (Herbert Howells), with Michael Head’s everpopular Sweet Chance Which Led My Steps Abroad as a beguiling encore.
A song recital, then, of mesmerising depth and intensity, in which every romantic surge of passion was delivered with classical poise and restraint and every moment of personal drama was balanced within a considered framework of musical and poetic artistry.
The programme was slanted decidedly towards the introverted and often melancholy, but it was a performance which guided you persuasively through every waypoint with complete assurance.
A concert like this is deserving of strong and appreciative support, and Strathearn Music Society members must have been delighted at the numbers attending on this occasion, with a full ground floor and, exceptionally, the balcony well-occupied in addition.
The event was generously sponsored by Martin Boyle.
It was a privileged experience for all present.