Perfomance: Windscape

Town Hall

Review: Tara Werner

With The Rocky Horror Show screening at the Civic and Carmen dancing at the Aotea Centre, parking proved a nightmare for many on Saturday night. So a slightly late start was entirely forgivable for Windscape's concert.

Having to rush must have frazzled a few nerves in the audience, since the wind ensemble had to work hard to create the relaxed atmosphere the group is well known for in New York.

The five (Marya Martin, flute; Stephen Taylor, oboe; Alan Kay, clarinet; Frank Morelli, bassoon and David Jolley, french horn) make a habit of introducing each other's work, providing interesting tit-bits that complement the programme notes plus adding a note of informality.

They gently acquaint the audience with some eclectic programming - mixing jazz with Mozart and Beethoven in equal measure. Yet their approach did not succeed this time. The evening lacked a certain impetus and sparkle, however beautifully each work was performed.

Not that the music was boring. Rechtman's arrangements of Mozart's Adagio and Allegro for Mechanical Organ (K594) and Beethoven's early Quintet in E Flat Major Op 4 were given disciplined and smooth performances.

The two contemporary pieces, American composer John Harbison's Quintet (1978) and Douglas Lilburn's Wind Quintet (1957) gave plenty of opportunity for stylistic comparison.

Harbison pushes each instrument to the extreme with some demented-sounding music; the group seemed to thoroughly enjoy the challenge. Lilburn's offering was a more gentle, translucent affair, full of his characteristically quirky rhythms and repeated motifs.

Here was the best playing of the evening - taut, lyrical and coordinated.

Finally, Charles Mingus' Self Portrait in Three Colours and Jump Monk gave a jazz element to the concert. Both were performed with warmth and affection.