Presenting a first-time appearance with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, globally lauded flautist Joshua Batty proved just one of the splendid performers in “Ethereal”.
Hosted in the invitational setting of 75 Reid Street, an adapted church and multi-purpose venue with impeccable acoustics, the evening’s programmed works fulfilled the dreamy suggestions of its title.
Beginning with Mozart’s Flute Quartet #1 in D Major, the chilly winter evening was kickstarted by a bright gust of spring from Batty’s confident marching patters atop the bounding elastic layering of the surrounding strings.
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A high-tempo work of bold primary colours, it served a formidable test of breath control and stamina, but one which Batty triumphantly surmounted. These clear, bright tufts of flute received playful accompaniment from the strings in the second movement, as frolicking pizzicato burst into a jubilant closing Rondo.
The second work of the evening, Beethoven’s String Quartet in C Minor Op. 18, was introduced by an address to the audience from MCO artistic director Sophie Rowell. She made assurances that, if Mozart were “a sparkling way to begin a cold night,” then we were now headed toward “something more dark and stormy.”
The two pieces presented an exquisite contrast in tone and tempo, here allowing Sophie Rowell as first violin and cellist Blair Harris to shine in their respective performances. The speed and dexterity of Sophie’s finger motions, as compared with the pointed, direct, muscular hand movement of Blair on cello, embodied a fabulous showcase of technical skill and individual performer flourishes.
The evening closed with Prokofiev’s Flute Sonata in D Major Op. 94, arranged from its original form for piano by Australian composer Lee Bradshaw, granting Batty centre-stage here in a remarkable shift in style and range.
Reflecting the militaristic period in which the work was composed in the dying breaths of the Second World War, Batty’s performance drew an incredibly accomplished array of authoritative, imposing tones as the leading solo voice across this expansive and adventurous work.
Another fantastic debut among many for flautist Joshua Batty, and a continuation of the high standard of showmanship and skill one can reliably expect from the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.
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