Orava Quartet | Mad Piper – presented by Camerata
Saturday 25 June 2022, State Library of Queensland
A performance by the multi award winning Orava Quartet is always a treat. As Camerata’s quartet in residence, the group has consistently delivered thrilling and engaging performances. And while the State Library of Queensland was not the perfect venue to showcase the considerable talents of the Orava Quartet (many local venues are still flood affected), the rapt Brisbane audience was not to be deterred. There was a lot of love in the room for the young musicians, who presented a brilliant, multifaceted program full of heart and soul.
First up was Manuel De Falla’s “The Three-Cornered Hat”, a ballet choreographed by Leonide Massine and commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev. Premiering in 1919, it has lost none of its fiery intensity. Based on Pedro Antonio de Alarcon’s 1874 novel of the same name, the piece was redolent with expressive overtones and passionate textures, building to a thrilling conclusion reminiscent of flamenco. It was the perfect piece to showcase the Quartet’s riveting athleticism.
It was followed by Pavel Fischer’s String Quartet No.3 “Mad Piper” (2011). “Mad Piper” is inspired by William Millin, known as Piper Bill. Piper Bill became known for playing the bagpipes while under fire during the D-Day landing in Normandy. As his comrades fell, Millin played Scottish classics such as “Highland Laddie” and “The Road to Isles”. “Mad Piper” draws heavily on Scottish, Czech, Bulgarian, and Romanian folk music.
Folk influences emerged in each movement, as did the grounding in Scottish piping traditions. It moved from a feeling of urgent invocation through a more reflective and soulful, almost melancholic passage to finish on a note of hope and emotional depth. It was a stunning, energetic performance of a complex and dynamic piece.
Double bassist Marian Heckenberg joined the Quartet for the final piece, Anton Dvorak’s String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op 77, B, 49. The strong throughline of folk influence in Fischer’s piece continued in the final piece of the program. The quintet moved seamlessly through the four movements, uncovering rich emotional textures – from light and playful to soulful, soaring, and romantic. The addition of the cello added a rich, fulsome dimension. Overall, it was my favourite piece of the program – just gorgeous.
Mad Piper was an absolute triumph. The audience was spellbound, carried away by the bravura performance of one of Australia’s most exciting string quartets – with the perfect addition of Marian Heckenberg. Be sure not to miss out on Camerata’s next concert, Illuminations at QPAC on 7 July. Featuring soprano Sofia Troncoso, Illuminations will feature Benjamin Britten’s deeply sensual “Les Illuminations” as well as pieces by Debussy and Elgar. Illuminations will also be presented at Ipswich Civic Centre on Friday 8 July and Empire Theatre in Toowoomba on 9 July.
