When is a Beethoven Piano Concerto not a piano concerto? When it is performed by only 6 players perhaps? If so, then the Arts Anglia Players with pianist Thomas McIntosh performed all 5 “non-concertos” in two concerts at the Old School, Hadleigh, Suffolk on December 29th and 30th, 2009.
Rehearsing Beethoven at the Old School, Hadleigh
Of course much is lost in this hyper-reduced format, but, surprisingly, there are significant gains. For one, there is great clarity and immediacy for all the part writing, and this has a spin off benefit for the string players of encouraging them to play their (solo) lines with conviction. For another, there is tremendous theatrical value for the audience in following the dramatic interplay between the 6 musicians, all “fought out” at close quarters in full view and without the arbitration of a conductor. And for the musicians there is the intense satisfaction of being able to place notes, phrases and articulations precisely, free from rhythmic doubts that the inertia of a large orchestra can so often bring.
The Old School has an excellent Steinway
The two concerts were sold out, and many commented on what a great experience it had been for them. Interestingly, the sheet music used by the 5 string players was an existing edition (by Lachner, 1882) where wind, brass and tympani parts had been incorporated where necessary into the orchestral string parts. For the most part this was satisfactory, although some editing (including corrections to bar numbering) was necessary.
Led by Andrew Laing, the ensemble also included Rachel Hess (vln.) John Rayson (va.), Felix Buser (vc.) and Roy Chilton (db.), and all the musicians enjoyed the generous hospitality of Tom and Miranda McIntosh for the 3-day event. Altogether a memorable and unique experience.
