Music / Baroctopus, At the Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, October 29. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

BECAUSE eight busy hands are required to play these baroque music treasures, Barocotopus is an apt and witty name for the ensemble of Ariana Odermatt, harpsichord; Lauren Davis, violin; Ben Hoadley, bassoon and recorder and Clara Teniswood, cello.

The concert offered several works from the baroque period of the 17th and 18th century. There were two works by the prolific Georg Philipp Telemann as well as compositions by Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, Nicola Porpora, Louis Marchand and Johann Heinrich Schmeltzer.

The concert began with de Boismortier’s “Sonata in G minor” for violin, bassoon, cello and continuo. Its pleasing, bright and jaunty opening movement took us directly into the world of the baroque and contrasted well with the reflective adagio second movement. It was nicely performed by all four players.

Porpora’s “Sonata in F major” for cello and continuo was next in the program. This melodic work was well played and the melancholy adagio was the highlight.

After performing the first two works on bassoon, Hoadley changed to an alto recorder for Telemann’s “Sonata in C major” for recorder and continuo. All four movements were well played with the melodic first movement and the sensitivity of the third movement being particularly memorable.

Odermatt then played Marchand’s “Prelude and Allemande from Suite 1 in E minor” for solo harpsichord. This atmospheric work was melodic and reflective and was given a fine performance.

There were also second works by de Boismortier and Telemann that, with different combinations of instruments, were particularly appealing.

Schmeltzer’s “Sonata 2”, for violin and continuo, was also played and was notable for the beautiful violin playing by Davis.

As well as their fine playing of the various works, the performers took turns introducing each of them to the audience, giving interesting items of information about the composers.Their relaxed, easy manner transmitted well to the audience and added another dimension to this fine concert.