Jordi Savall and Andrew Lawrence King

The Melbourne Recital Centre’s Great Performers series certainly lived up to the promise of the title in this recital by Jordi Savall, playing viola da gamba, and harpist Andrew Lawrence-King.   Les Gouts Reunis (‘Meeting of tastes’, or ‘Tastes re-united’) comprised pieces and improvisations from the golden age of the viola da gamba in Spain, France and England. Admirable choices all – but no program list could convey the audience response: a mix of near-reverence and excitement at hearing the music live. Much of Savall’s mystique comes from his involvement in the 1991 film Tous les matins du monde (All the Mornings of the World) about Marin Marais (1656-1728). As Gerard Depardieu and his son Guillaume acted out the French composer’s life, Savall conveyed his artistic journey with music for viol. So it was fitting that an item by Marais near the end of the performance – Les Voix Humaines – was a highlight of the concert, appearing to ‘sing’ in warm and beautiful tones. In keeping with the varied program it was a dramatic contrast to Marais’ La Sautillante, played earlier in the program. This was a concert that does not lend itself to the usual analysis of a review – for at least two reasons. One is that the range and styles of the music presented was inevitable, given the variety of its sources. It was like a richly satisfying meal, whose lingering pleasure is thanks to the whole presentation. The other is that Jordi Savall is unquestionably the world’s leading exponent of the viola da gamba and an acclaimed influence on period music and musicians. It is hard to do justice to the mastery of his instrument and intensity of feeling that is the mark of a Jordi Savall performance. This is not to detract from Savall’s frequent concert partner Andrew Lawrence-King, a harpist who draws exceptional sounds from his instrument. These ranged from picking out melodies – almost as a pianist might, with delicacy and finesse – to a technically very demanding solo set in the second half. Lawrence-King and Savall share the capacity to make their instruments sing in different registers and styles, often exploiting the possibilities of viol and harp in ways the audience could not have imagined. More than the musicianship, though, is the energy, love and commitment that each brings to the art of performance. As well as mining the archives of the 16th to 18th centuries, the duo (with Gaelic instruments) invited a percussionist to join them in a couple of Irish tunes. Just days before St Patrick’s Day, it was a well-judged interlude that showed an even wider scope for the ‘meeting of tastes’ enjoyed throughout the evening. If we should be fortunate enough to hear these performers again I would prefer that to be in the more intimate space of the Salon. However, given their popularity, they’re likely to draw a crowd to the larger concert halls for many years yet. And that can only be a good thing! Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5   Jordi Savall and Andrew Lawrence King Elisabeth Murdoch Hall 14 March