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There was much anticipation for the
first concert of the season, which featured a new location for
the chamber ensemble consisting this time of Mayumi Seiler,
first violin; Timothy Yin, second violin; Carolyn Blackwell,
viola and Rachel Mercer, cello.
The pretty Rosedale United Church filled up very nicely with
happy people. There was much chatting and greeting and hugging
going on. It was like a congregation getting together for a
festivity. Some of us outsiders, who know the ensemble only from
the Glenn Gould Studio space looked on and felt a bit like
strangers, yet were quickly drawn in by the friendly atmosphere.
Parking is a bit unusual in that area, since it is a real
neighborhood. One lady said that this is the reason why dinner
guests are habitually late.
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| View from the balcony |
Sitting in the balcony section it was easy to overlook the
entire space. The sound of Claude Debussy’s String Quartet in G
minor, opus 10, rose to the rafter’s clearly and without an
echo. As the composers only String Quartet, as is his one and
only Rhapsody, it draws on 2 centuries of German composers only
to introduce to the listener his evolutionary elements.
Sometimes his altered harmonies are easily perceptible, at other
times they are minute, but they are there and everywhere.
Everyone who loves his “La Mer” and has dreamed to it will also
appreciate this composition.
As a second offering we heard Mark Richard’s “Scenes from
Hamlet”, three to be exact from the Toronto composer. The
experience of hearing music expressing what happens in the play
of Shakespeare’s Hamlet was interesting and strangely
satisfying. It was easy to recall scenes from past performances.
After an intermission String Quartet no. 2 in A minor by
Johannes Brahms filled the space with his emotional musings,
leaving everyone filled to the brim with a desire for more. The
prolonged applause at the end underlined the experience. Many
lingered in the lounge for a glass of something wet and some had
an opportunity to speak with the artists.
Next we can hear this wonderful ensemble again on December 6
with the theme “The Birds Take up their Charming Songs Once
More.” Vivaldi’s Four Seasons are on the program and a
collaboration of musicians and concert goes. That should be most
exciting!
To book your tickets call 416-972-9113 or go online at
www.viasalzburg.com.
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