London Octave
If you need information about the group or just wish to get in touch with us
or join our mailing list click HERE
METRO (London)
Isn't it strange how yesterday's innovation can so quickly become today's dull orthodoxy? A few years ago, when it
was the norm to hear Bach and Handel played on modern instruments, the period-instrument revival seemed like a
breath of fresh air. Suddenly new colours were released, new sounds were available, and a forgotten repertoire
sprang to life. Great: but the downside, was modern-instrument performances came to be regarded as infra-dig,
and many period performances became a rehash of stylistics and mannerisms.
As evidence for the defence of the modern instrument, catch tonight's concert by the sparkling group London
Octave. Formed in 1988 by cellist Dietrich Bethge, it specialises in baroque music with an unashamedly healthy,
vibrant and modern sound - and there's not a hint of the orthodox preciousness that can mar run-of-the-mill period
performances. Go to website www.londonoctave.com and you can hear what I mean. Tonight’s concert features
rich voiced counter tenor James Bowman who sings Bach..…….Handel’s ever popular Arrival of the Queen of
Sheba. Great Fun.
Warwick Thompson
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
This CD was sent to me through the enthusiasm of a music-lover in Hampshire (amazing where these reviews get
to!) - and I'm glad to say it is quite excellent. Baroque music on modern instruments may not be every purist's cup
of Earl Grey but I think what matters is the way the music is played - and these performers win hands-down on that
point……..They include Lorraine McAslan, an international violin soloist who needs no introduction, and
Chetham's-trained Clare Hoffman, who is principal second violin of the English Chamber Orchestra. The pianist,
Yevgeny Sudbin (who plays a Bach concerto and three Scarlatti sonatas) is a brilliant young Russian. So, for
outstandingly musical and lively versions of The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba, Pachelbel's Canon, the Badinerie
from Bach's flute and strings suite in B minor (with the distinguished William Bennett as soloist), the "Air on the G
String", Spring from The Four Seasons, and so on, you need look no further.
Robert Beale
THE INDEPENDENT
Superb delivery of Handel and Bach.
Michael Church
London
Octave
If you need information about the group
or just wish to get in touch with us
or join our mailing list click HERE
METRO (London)
Isn't it strange how yesterday's innovation can so
quickly become today's dull orthodoxy? A few
years ago, when it was the norm to hear Bach
and Handel played on modern instruments, the
period-instrument revival seemed like a breath of
fresh air. Suddenly new colours were released,
new sounds were available, and a forgotten
repertoire sprang to life. Great: but the downside,
was modern-instrument performances came to be
regarded as infra-dig, and many period
performances became a rehash of stylistics and
mannerisms.
As evidence for the defence of the modern
instrument, catch tonight's concert by the
sparkling group London Octave. Formed in 1988
by cellist Dietrich Bethge, it specialises in baroque
music with an unashamedly healthy, vibrant and
modern sound - and there's not a hint of the
orthodox preciousness that can mar run-of-the-
mill period performances. Go to website
www.londonoctave.com and you can hear what I
mean. Tonight’s concert features rich voiced
counter tenor James Bowman who sings
Bach..…….Handel’s ever popular Arrival of the
Queen of Sheba. Great Fun.
Warwick Thompson
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
This CD was sent to me through the enthusiasm
of a music-lover in Hampshire (amazing where
these reviews get to!) - and I'm glad to say it is
quite excellent. Baroque music on modern
instruments may not be every purist's cup of Earl
Grey but I think what matters is the way the music
is played - and these performers win hands-down
on that point……..They include Lorraine McAslan,
an international violin soloist who needs no
introduction, and Chetham's-trained Clare
Hoffman, who is principal second violin of the
English Chamber Orchestra. The pianist, Yevgeny
Sudbin (who plays a Bach concerto and three
Scarlatti sonatas) is a brilliant young Russian. So,
for outstandingly musical and lively versions of
The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba, Pachelbel's
Canon, the Badinerie from Bach's flute and
strings suite in B minor (with the distinguished
William Bennett as soloist), the "Air on the G
String", Spring from The Four Seasons, and so
on, you need look no further.
Robert Beale
THE INDEPENDENT
Superb delivery of Handel and Bach.
Michael Church
