#beardlikedaniel

This is one of seven concerts which host ensemble Daniel's Beard will perform during the series. Taking their name from the architect who designed the Cottier Theatre, they reinforce the prominent #beardwatch which has come to be synonymous with the project.

Versatility and a broad repertoire are the name of the game with this 8 person ensemble of professional musicians playing a leading role on the Scottish classical music scene. Drafting  in additional musicians to alter and enhance their sound, the phrase 'music of friends' is at the heart of this ensemble.

This concert witnesses a particularly folky influence and is composed of music which has been undeservedly overlooked before being given a new lease of life in time for the West End Festival.

Beginning with Paul Hindemith's Clarinet Quartet Op. 30 I immediately feel as though I have been thrust into an air full of insects in the height of summer. I have come to find that when listening to  particular pieces of  chamber music I encounter a strong sense of being transported to a very specific scenario or environment. This feeling of claustrophobia soon gives way to calmer, easygoing sound. Wow, just when I was drifting off into a spell of relaxation I am hit with a rush of noise which grows into a powerful crescendo of strings with repetition of the clarinets part. This pattern of calm and ensues leaving me with a feeling of slight disorientation and confusion.

The Piano Trio No. 1 H.193 Bohuslav Martinu is, if I am correct, split into 5 short segments which break up the piece into a variety of showcases, I felt particularly drawn to this, which was a slow, romantic piece with the strings taking centre stage. Each burst seems at odds with the previous and when split up the variation is a lot more tangible. I enjoyed listening to chamber music under this model.

Last but by no means least, my favourite piece of the program, Aram Khachaturian's Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano. This piece had an almost mystical edge to it and the clarinet really triumphed in the 'show off'' stakes! The strings almost seemed to sing alongside the deeper tones of the clarinet. I felt that there was a softness to this piece which will give variance to the overall performance.

It will be interesting to see the variety in the Daniel's Beard performances throughout the series in terms of both musicians and choice of music. There is a lot more to come from this ensemble.

Daniel's Beard will perform at the Cottier's Theatre on the 4th of June. To purchase tickets click here or visit the Cottier Theatre Box Office.