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The English Songbook

by Heather Leviston 18th March, 2014
by Heather Leviston 18th March, 2014
285

Of the many excellent recitals presented in the Salon as part of the Local Heroes series, Continuo Collective’s English Songbook, featuring tenor Brenton Spiteri, would have to rate among the most accomplished. Read Heather Leviston’s review …

In a program mainly comprising works by Benjamin Britten and John Dowland, Geoffrey Morris (guitars) and Samantha Cohen (lute, theorbo) displayed technical assurance and musical eloquence. Brenton Spiteri is a young tenor equally endowed. His clear, firm voice has considerable beauty and his superb breath control ensured that phrasing was musical and meaningful. Intelligence and thorough preparation are obviously important components of his professionalism.

What sets him apart from many other young singers is his ability to communicate with his audience. Although he used a score, he was not dependent on it and sang most of the program from memory. Seated with the players a strong sense of intimacy and ensemble was immediately established. The contrasting moods of Britten’s Songs from the Chinese were conveyed by an emphasis on the drama of these pieces and Spiteri’s emotional involvement.

A gentler, more melancholy mood prevailed in three gems from Dowland’s The First Booke of Songes, where Spiteri’s warm, velvety voice spun long, beguiling phrases. The transition from the last of the three songs, Come Heavy Sleep, into Britten’s Nocturnal after John Dowland was extremely effective. Beginning with its quasi-improvisatory passage, Geoffrey Morris gave a sensitive and gloriously sonorous reading of a work written for the great English lutenist and guitarist, Julian Bream. Based on Come Heavy Sleep, it is a work that made an important contribution to the establishment of the guitar’s modern repertoire. Some atmospheric blue lighting and the appearance of a crescent moon added to the nocturnal spirit.

The following Folk Songs by Britten again provided an opportunity for variation in mood and character on the part of singer, now standing, and guitarist. The jaunty humour of Sailor-Boy and tongue-in-cheek-drama of The Soldier and the Sailor were given a spirited treatment.

Although not quite English, two songs by talented Melbourne composer Dermot Tutty made an appealing conclusion to the program. With Samantha Cohen on theorbo and Geoffrey Morris on guitar, Tutty explored the capacity of these instruments to convey the spinning of Spring Snowflake and fading shimmer of blue in Falsely Wed. His sympathetic understanding of the tenor voice made for some particularly lovely moments, most notably in exquisite soft passages.

Both works reflected a gratifyingly fruitful collaboration between the composer and an unusual configuration of performers.

THE ENGLISH SONGBOOK

Continuo Collective

Melbourne Recital Centre

March 17

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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"Audacious, Thrilling, Transcendant" Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most…

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$20 – $105
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July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

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Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

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Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

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Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

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MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

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Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

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BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

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1 event, 13

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Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

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7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

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July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

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ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

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Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

Inland and Astra present a special combined event celebrating one of Australia's leading international performers, clarinetist Anthony Burr,  a foremost interpreter of the music of Alvin Lucier (1931–2021).…

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

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Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

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Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne are proud to present the Australian Premiere of 'Moonlite' by Wally Gunn (Music) and Maria…

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Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

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Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

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Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

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Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

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Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

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MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

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Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

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BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

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BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

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Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

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July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

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Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

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July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 18
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ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

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Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

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