Last Friday we met for our first recital after the Christmas break in which we welcomed a return visit by cellist George Wilkes, this time accompanied by Charles Matthews, Patron of our Music Society and an accompanist in great demand by his students at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
George began his programme with “Piece” by Ernest Chausson, his only work for solo cello, which was written during his final years. In complete contrast this was followed by the solo Cello Sonata (Op.25 no. 3) by Paul Hindemith, a work very much from the 20th Century. Four contrasting movements before a fifth which finished “with a bang”! Next, a trip to the sunshine for “Suite Populaires Espagnoles” by Manuel de Falla, a set of four pieces which really capture all the characteristics of Spanish music: plucked strings, strumming of chords and tapping rhythmic patterns on the wooden body of the cello. Our performers really captured the Spanish spirit. Great fun! The last piece in this section was “Elegie” in C minor by Gabriel Faure, a complete contrast as the name suggests to introduce a more gentle and reflective mood before relaxing with refreshments and stimulating conversations with fellow members of the audience.
The second part consisted of just one work – the Sonata for Solo Cello in E minor, op 38 by Johannes Brahms. In three movements, the first opens with a solo cello melody over a chordal accompaniment creating a melodic curve. This pattern is then developed further during the movement. The second movement highlights Brahms’ interest in music from the Renaissance period and the final movement provides a very lively conclusion to an interesting and varied programme.
Throughout the evening George was able to demonstrate his amazing progress through his choice of music and we were able to admire his amazing technique, his ability to convey the spirit of the music and his obvious pleasure when actually performing and, knowing he had an accompanist of renowned reputation he was able to relax. I do hope they both enjoyed performing for us as much as we enjoyed listening - as demonstrated by the very enthusiastic applause.
