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St Michael’s, Highgate

1 February 2023 | 1:30 pm

Programme:

Oliver Knussen Three Little Fantasies 

  • I. Tempo guisto
  • II. Lento e calmo
  • III. Vivace

Jean Françaix Wind Quintet No.1

  • I. Andante tranquillo – Allegro assai
  • II. Presto
  • III. Tema con variazioni
  • IV. Tempo di marcia francese

Why this programme…?

Jean Françaix’s first wind quintet (1948) is a perfect example of the composer’s light and humorous aesthetic which stayed consistent through out his career. He was a strong believer in structure and form with the audience’s enjoyment at heart. (Put differently, one might describe him as a neoclassic composer who rejected atonality.) The piece plays like a theatrical rollercoaster ride.

Before that is Oliver Knussen’s Three Little Fantasies (1970/83), an early work from the British composer, which he described as “concentrated in manner and light in effect.” Lumas thoroughly enjoy playing these, and they certainly do pack a punch. In only seven minutes there’s cadenzas for each instrument, an entire klangfarbenmelodie (one continuous melody passed around the group), and a canon at four different speeds.

 

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