The performance has a great deal of comic value . Though not a clarinet player myself I am astounded by Dohnal's ability to play while spinning around in circles on one leg and cannot imagine that this is an easy project to take on. I wonder whether he practises movement and playing at the same time before putting both aspects together or simply jumps in at the deep end? In addition to his physical movements, Dohnal's facial expressions and eye contact with the audience are captivating. Those observing the charismatic performance can't help but engage with the performance through laughter and admiration at his multi-tasking abilities.
Stockhausen, the composer and creator of Harlquin, is cited as "one of the great visionaries of 20th-century music". Pioneering electronic music, the work of Stockhausen has had a great impact on jazz and pop music. His face even appears on the album cover of The Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album cover. There is considerable variation in his work, ranging from compositions for musical boxes to a pieces of music for three orchestras. One of his more eccentric pieces for a string quartet required a helicopter for each musician! It seems that Stockhausen really pushed the boundaries in regard to the definition of Chamber Music, for me it seems more like a piece of installation art performance than simply a concert. Described as groundbreaking and controversial, Stockhausen has re-defined the borders between different art forms.
This would be a great 'introduction' to chamber music concert, particularly for a younger audience due to the mime art which takes place throughout and the interaction between audience and performer. It is fine to laugh and I'm sure the performance will be at variance with how I might traditionally characterise a chamber music concert.
Karel Dohnal will perform on the 1st of June at the Cottier's Theatre. Tickets are available by clicking here or from the Cottier Theatre Box Office.
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