The concert on Sat 20th May in St Leonard’s, Eynsham, was a treat for all musical tastes, with both orchestra and wind band enthusiastically conducted by Wendy Marks.
First on the programme was Freeland Orchestra playing Haydn’s popular Clock Symphony, written during his 2nd visit to London in 1793. Haydn the pop star of his day! The ticking of the clock is heard in the second movement with bassoon and lower strings ticking nicely, taken over later by bassoon and flute. There was some accomplished playing from wind and brass throughout this piece which had a lively finish from the entire orchestra.
This was followed by Soirées Musicales by Britten. There was assured playing from all sections of the orchestra with lovely flashes of colour from wind and brass, and a particularly lyrical violin solo in the Canzonetta, all brought to a close with a lilting Tarantella.
The second half of the programme saw West Oxfordshire Winds, WOW for short, taking over the stage, where again Wendy brought an inspired choice of pieces together. Here we had Beethoven’s Turkish March, beginning on a pianissimo, managed confidently, leading on to a jolly Ragtime followed by a lovely American piece called Ashokan Farewell which featured a beautifully played saxophone solo. A medley of Elton John songs including some hand clapping from the middle of the band was next. They were having fun and so were we. This section of the evening finished with Best Years of your Life from Shrek. All in all, an eclectic mix where players and audience alike were clearly enjoying the rendition. ‘WOW’ indeed!
Finally, a first for all concerned, both orchestra and wind band came together for a huge finale, the church seating still seemed packed with audience, so where had everyone been hiding? Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov…wind, brass percussion and strings in one joyous bonanza.
Don’t miss the Summer Wind Concert on Saturday 17th June in St Leonard’s at 7.30 pm.
Chrissie Woodward