<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>332335</docID> <postdate>2024-11-03 12:51:28</postdate> <headline>An afternoon of delicious music as strings meet oboe</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-332331" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241102a-081-Musica-da-Camera-Oboe-Strings.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Lauren Davis leading Musica da Camera. Photo: Peter Hislop</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">Music / An Afternoon of Oboe and Strings, Musica da Camera. At Holy Covenant Anglican Church, Cook. Reviewed by <strong>ROB KENNEDY</strong>.</span></p> <p><strong>Strings and oboe go together like avocado and chocolate; try it. An afternoon of delicious music by Musica da Camera proved to be a most appetising experience.</strong></p> <p>Under the direction of Lauren Davis, the leader of Limestone Consort, a chamber ensemble based in Canberra, which formed in 2012 out of a desire to perform baroque music, but today she led Musica da Camera with Aaron Reichelt, who is one of Australia’s most versatile and experienced oboists.</p> <p>Opening with a composer who was also a violinist and conductor, Carl Nielsen was a musical outsider. He created highly specific sounding music. His andante and scherzo flowed with an almost stately theme. This is determined writing. It makes a direct musical statement. It's not saying anything else other than the sound it makes. Its two movements sounded fresh and clear. It’s good, strong music for a small ensemble.</p> <p>Australian composer Arthur Benjamin (1893-1960) was inspired by a baroque work composed by Domenico Cimarosa. Written in 1942, his Concerto on Themes by Cimarosa was performed by Reichelt on oboe with the da Camera strings.</p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-332329" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241102a-051-Musica-da-Camera-Oboe-Strings.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Aaron Reichelt on oboe. Photo: Peter Hislop</caption> <p>It's a compact work in length, but with a wide-open feel. The oboe floats between the strings, playful tunes fill the music. It sits between modern and older styles. Reichelt on oboe created a wonderfully clear and vibrant sound, as did da Camera.</p> <p>Estonian composer, Heino Eller's Five Pieces for String Orchestra, contains national traits. Orchestrated from piano works, it felt somewhat romantic, somewhat folk-like, but with great musical depth. The music filled the space with a powerful intensity. Complete with ear-catching tunes, a profound sense of direction and outstanding solo lines. Sections were highly contrasted, complex, and dramatically dynamic. Gorgeous stuff.</p> <p>Felix Mendelssohn's String Symphony No 2. was written when he was 12. I think I could just about talk by then! The Mozart of his age; musically there was nothing he couldn't do.</p> <p>This work is a romp, it’s joyful, bright, and direct. The first movement is a full-on blast from first to last note. Each movement perfectly fits the classical style and for an amateur group, da Camera made a good showing.</p> <p>Musical director Lauren Davis created an enticing program and conducted it with great passion and an overwhelming joy for the love of music.</p> <p> </p> </body>