Ten Centuries of English Music

Last week we went to the Concert at St. Edwards College, and enjoyed some good performances.

John promised me that the early piece, 13^th century, was terrible, all he did was play the note of F# for three minutes, and I would not like it at all. He was wrong. I did quite enjoy it, and I like the drone effect.

The highlight of the evening was definitely a set of Miniatures by Frank Bridge, with piano, flute and cello. I do have to admit to being biased, but it was very good. The trio was well balanced – no one instrument dominated the other two. It was lovely hearing the pieces we had heard being practised a little, with the addition of the flute and cello.

There was quite a bit of brass during the evening. The first half finished off with some Jeremiah Clarke, while the most modern piece was for two Trumpets, French Horn, Tuba and Trombone by Peter Maxwell Davies. The same group will be playing it again later this month with the composer in the audience. It was certainly more enjoyable and accessible than I expected.

The second half started off with a very different modern piece – the Dam Buster march, which was quite good fun, and finished with some Gilbert & Sullivan, from Trial by Jury. There was quite a lot of singing, starting with 10^th century plainchant from off stage, a setting of Nunc Dmittis with a very fine treble performance, and a trio singing The Waters of Tyne which was quite outstanding.