Notting Hill Concerts

Programme:

Jacques Ibert Trois Pièces Brèves

• I. Allegro
• II. Andante
• III. Assez lent – Allegro scherzando

Poldowski Suite miniature de canons à dancer for Wind Quintet

• I. Passemaise
• II. Musette
• III. Minuetto
• IV. Rigaudon
• V. Gigue

Franz Danzi Wind Quintet in Bb Major, Op.56, No. 1

• I. Allegretto
• II. Andante con moto
• III. Menuetto. Allegretto
• IV. Allegretto

Eugène Bozza Scherzo

Why this programme…?

Despite the individual successes of all of the above composers, they are perhaps most well known for their wind music. Indeed, their contributions make them prolific.

Most interestingly and likely most unheard of is Poldowski. The name, one of many professional pseudonyms for Belgium born Régine Wieniawski. Her life’s biography is full of sceptical contradictions. For example she may have studied at the Brussel’s conservatory but there’s no record of her having been there. She also may have been requested to play for Queen Elizabeth of Belgium in 1912. The piece we’re playing today could have been published around 1934. We do know however that in 1923 she gave a series of midday recitals just around the corner from St Peter’s at the Hyde Park Hotel.

Published around the same time then were Ibert’s three pieces in 1930. The style of the era clear to see in both pieces.

Danzi’s life is also one of interest despite the fact that he is now most renowned as a mentor of Carl Maria von Weber. He wrote nine wind quintets however, three sets of three, which does not go unnoticed! Today we play the first from the very first set. Interestingly enough (if you watched Lumas perform at St Dustan in the West or at City Music Society) this set is dedicated to Antoine Reicha.

Bozza provides the earliest work of the programme (1945), giving the name scherzo real meaning, and bringing the conclusion of the concert as well as Lumas’ Autumn to a rousing finish!