Read Gerry Philp's review of the latest concert in Sodbury.

At the November concert of the Chipping Sodbury Music Society guitarist Michael Butten proved a highly successful short notice replacement for fellow musician Giacomo Susani, who had been struck down by illness.

The help of The Countess of Munster Musical Trust in this rearrangement was invaluable.

Five pieces by English renaissance composer John Dowland quickly demonstrated the artist’s concentration and sensitive approach to this graceful music.

By contrast modernist Roberto Gerhard’s Fantasia required a contemporary approach. An arrangement of Bach’s Violin Sonata no 3 showed this music in a new light.

The soulful adagio was followed by probably the longest fugue ever written. The soloist obviously enjoyed the challenge.

A Fantasia by the little-known composer Luigi Legnani proved to be a very attractive composition, written in an operatic style, and was both tuneful and humorous.

Benjamin Britten’s Nocturnal after John Dowland gave the soloist opportunity to show off the huge range of expression achievable on the guitar.

An enthusiastic audience had enjoyed a highly satisfying evening.

The next concert, on Tuesday 3 December at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, will see the welcome return of The Roaring Fork Quintet – flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and horn.

They will be performing works by Mozart, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and more. Tickets may be purchased from Hobbs House Bakery, or online at ticketsource.co.uk/csmusicsociety or, if available, on the door. Seating is open so please contact the Music Society beforehand on 01454 315741 if you have any special requirements or may need assistance.