Thomas Heywood’s choice of repertoire on Saturday 18 February at Kelvin Grove College Theatre, presented by TOSA QLD (Theatre Organ Society of Australia QLD), was varied and impressive. The first piece, The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition, had everyone on the edges of their seats, waiting to hear how Hull’s arrangement for organ would sound. It didn’t disappoint, with the Christie organ displaying beautiful tonal colours through Heywood’s expertise.
Apparently the Art Deco Christie can generate more than 7,500 different sounds. There are two chambers, hidden behind the stage. One houses the pipes and the other various instruments including bass drum, chimes, triangle and xylophone. Fascinating! The fact it is housed in a school, is also very unusual.
Highlights of the concert for me included Intermezzo from Mascagni’s Opera Cavalleria Rusticana. This was played delicately and with pathos. Heywood’s interpretation was entrancing and absolutely sublime. I also enjoyed Purcell’s Chaconne – Dance for the Chinese Man & Woman from the Fairy Queen. It provided a lovely, light interlude between some of the heavier pieces, and demonstrated how the instrument could imitate the Baroque period.
Although, the real masterpiece of the day in my mind, was Heywood’s performance of Finlandia by Sibelius, transcribed by Fricker…. Click here to continuer reading
Review by Anne Lee-Archer classikON
