Review by Gerry Philp

THE November concert of the Chipping Sodbury Music Society 70th anniversary year featured Luba Tunnicliffe viola and Edward Liddall piano, supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s charming Sonata for Viola and Piano opened the programme.

The first movement had a delightfully airy feel, the adagio was played with great feeling and the more substantial finale revealed excellent coordination between the artists.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s solo Cello Suite No.3, transposed for viola, is a demanding work. It was triumphantly realised totally from memory.

George Enescu is a Romanian composer much influenced by folk music. His Konzertstuck for viola and piano is a passionate work which exploits the full range of the viola. Both players brought a rare intensity of attack to this piece.

The final composition, Johannes Brahms Sonata Op.120 No.1 brought a satisfying conclusion to the concert. The dramatic opening allegro was played with great spirit, the elegant songful andante encouraged delightful interplay between viola and piano and the final vivace was pressed home with great vigour.

The audience showed great appreciation for an evening of sustained musical excellence.

The Music Society now invites you to join them for a really exciting evening of thrilling and haunting music next month. Using no mirth-control Joglaresa will blow the dust off medieval song, and romp through Christmas Past - with medieval and folk song as a springboard for their invention.

Amongst their own newly-composed carols such as A Lovely Rose and a mashup of rapper Flo Rida’s You Spin My Head Round with a medieval motet, there will also be Blow, Blow thou Winter Wind by Orlando Gough.

With fidel, harp, bells, bagpipes, dulcimer and voices Joglaresa will ring in Christmas and New Year on Tuesday, December 5 at 7.30 pm (doors open at 6.30 pm).

  • Tickets from Cadeaux & Co in Hatherell’s Yard, Chipping Sodbury, or online from ticketsource.co.uk/csmusicsociety. Seating is open so please contact the Music Society beforehand on 01454 315741 if you need assistance.