James Gilbert & Julian Chan

Concert review by Denise and Stuart Kavanagh

James Gilbert and Julian Chan, an exciting clarinet and piano duo, entertained us with a varied programme of 20^th century pieces highlighting the influence of jazz on the works of ‘classical’ composers.

The framework of the concert was the three Gershwin Preludes strategically placed at the beginning, middle and end of the programme. These are arrangements of the piano pieces for the ensemble by James Cohen. Their youthful exuberance showed throughout culminating in a brilliant rendering of No. 3 as an encore.

The first Gershwin Prelude was followed by the ever-popular Poulenc Clarinet Sonata. The first movement combined mischievousness with tender sadness. The Romance was a poignant interpretation of sustained thoughtful lyricism. The finale was a fiery account with real verve and drive.

In total contrast we were treated to the Widmann ‘Fantasie’ for solo clarinet, a virtuosic display of conventional playing and many ‘new’ techniques such as multiphonics, flutter-tonguing, key clicks and non-pitched sounds.

The first half of the concert was brought to a close with a stylish performance of the early clarinet sonata by Leonard Bernstein. From the neo-classical feel of the first movement to the skittish last movement, James and Julian’s performance captivated our audience.

After the interval we were treated to three composers whose compositions are rarely, if ever, performed at our society. Firstly, we heard a delightful performance of Hindemith’s Clarinet Sonata. This piece is one of a set of eleven sonatas that Hindemith wrote for various orchestral instruments. Hindemith was able to play all of the solo parts, such was his remarkable skills as a performer. Our soloists really shone in the melancholic slow movement and the light-hearted finale.

David Branson, is a composer that is virtually unknown. Judging by Julian’s sparkling and enlightening performance of his two piano pieces, ‘Runic Tale’ and ‘Flung Spray’ he ought to be listened to more often. Runic Tale is influenced by Branson’s teacher John Ireland. It employs irregular meters, unusual harmonies and restless chromatic inner voices. Julian is clearly an accomplished soloist and a talented accompanist as we all observed tonight.

The closing work in the concert was Joseph Horovitz’s light-hearted Sonatina for Clarinet. This rounded off the concert followed by rapturous applause from our audience showing their appreciation for a most enjoyable evenings entertainment. Bravo James and Julian!

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