This was the first of a series of 6 evening concerts They are free, though a retiring collection is requested. The overall programme contains three organ recitals but this concert was by Philomusica, a long standing Edinburgh-based chamber orchestra. Palmerton Place is a fine setting as its layout in the round gives an intimate feeling despite being able to seat good numbers. The building is light and airy and the raised platform gives good visibility.
Michael Garrett was in the audience for his Fantasia, which opened the concert. His website indicates that this was a World Premiere, though this was not apparent on the night. I particularly enjoyed the performance of Margaret Garden on bass during this piece and she had a fine evening.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons made up the bulk of the concert. There is a series of four contemporary sonnets, possibly written by Antonio himself, that accompany the pieces. Here we had them read from the pulpit, behind and above the players, at the appropriate points in the music by the stentorian voice of Roger Lang. Dressed in white tie, with the deepest possible red handkerchief and a spectacular walrus moustache we were presented with a wonderful fusion of Elgar and Edward VII. The stunningly hirsute Lawrence Dunn led from the violin with Malcolm Garden on cello deserving a mention. The tuning and playing were a little ropey in places but this was an enjoyable evening and it was clear that most of the orchestra were having great fun too. This was quite simply Vivaldi presented at an Edwardian Music Hall.
