Review: Schools' concert at St John's Kirk

May 27 2008 By Alister Y Allan

THE honour of performing the first school concert at this year’s Festival of Arts fell to Perth High School.

The interesting and varied programme began with the wind band, performing “Silver Brook” and “Music of the Beatles” by Sweeney. These challenging pieces showed fine ensemble playing, finely-judged tempi, and changes in dynamic contrasts. There was nicely-shaped solo playing from trumpet, horn, alto saxophone and clarinet, the pieces being superbly conducted by Philip Alexander.

The Brass Band, conducted by Allan Kelman, provided another contrast with “The Big Top” by Cooper. Melodies associated with the circus, suggesting acrobats, clowns, etc, were well-articulated, and a sense of sheer enjoyment was evident in this hilarious piece. The band produced a rich tone throughout.

The string quartet showed a more intimate form of music-making. The players showed a good sense of style and phrasing, but there were some problems with intonation. However, this was a commendable attempt at difficult music.

A vocal contrast was provided by the choir, conducted by Catherine Black and performing excerpts from “Return to the Forbidden Planet” by Lojeski, the school show this year. “Somewhere Out There” featured some well-phrased legato harmonic singing, while the comic/horror “Monster Mash” and “Great Balls of Fire” showed a more raucous and, to some, unpleasant, sound. The fact is, the vocal line is written low in the voice and the accompaniment is very heavy, so this type of sound is what the composer wants!

The Scottish element in the programme was continued by the ceilidh band, playing “The Spinning Wheel” a traditional tune, and “Sailing South” arranged beautifully by Nicola Maynes. The feeling for the style of our National Folk Music was apparent, but I felt that the players were “cramped” for bow room, and this resulted in timid-sounding performance.

The string orchestra followed with a nicely contrasted largo and allegro from Concerto Grosso No 6 by Handel.

Pianist Paula Gordon, was a sensitive soloist in Arabeske No 1 by Debussy. Her performance featured nicely-shaped phrases, vivid dynamic contrasts, clean pedal changes, and a very good understanding of the Impressionist style. This was a real highlight in the programme.

The orchestra, conducted by Allan Kelman, ended the concert with “The Three B’s” (a compilation of themes by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms) by Brubaker and “Selection from Chicago” arranged by Lopez.