This concert proved to be a bit of a gem. Instead of an orchestra or a choir, the musicians on show were three trombonists. The group took us on a tour of lyrical and enchanting music ranging from the early medieval period to a surprisingly poignant world premiere. The music itself was endlessly exciting and unique. Combined with poetry, the evening became an entrancing exploration of relatively unknown and unappreciated pieces.
The trio did not feel pressed to remain with their trombones, using a violin and a few sackbuts (old fashioned trombones) to add to the fascinating musical palette. At one point a homemade instrument was introduced to the action: a bike wheel connected to a hosepipe with a mouthpiece fixed at one end.
Happily, rather than feeling pretentious and superfluous the efforts of the trio felt genuinely innovative and the patchwork concert they produced left the audience wanting more. Highlights included a short piece simulating the flight of crows at the end of which the audience were encouraged to wave their programmes to symbolise of bird flight. Rachel Stott’s new work for violin and two sackbuts also went down a treat with gorgeous melodies matching tricky technical runs for the instrumentalists.
Altogether, this talented group of musicians have created a truly mesmerizing concert which challenges the ear and provides an interesting change of musical scene.
