Alastair Penman & Jonathon Pease Saxophone & Piano [Review extract] 20th January 2022. The Society presented two exceptional musicians: Alastair Penman, saxophone, and Jonathon Pease, piano. Enjoying musical equality in a synergistic combination, the duo gave an electrifying performance. With Alastair’s engaging introductions setting the scene for each piece, the audience enjoyed a refreshing programme of accessible modern classical music and arrangements of popular pieces; nicely balanced between the virtuosic and gentler moments. The concert opened decisively with Iturralde’s Pequena Czarda. Beginning with shades of Piazzolla before referencing Czardas, the quality of both musicians was evident. Playing fluidly, Alastair explored the range of his alto-saxophone with ease as the two captured and then held the interest of the audience for the rest of the concert. Then Ravel’s impressionistic Pièce en forme de Habanera - a hypnotic and beautiful arrangement for saxophone. No one would be leaving at half-time and the hall buzzed with excitement as the second-half was eagerly anticipated. Returning with what was arguably the best and most demanding piece of the concert for the duo, Scott’s Three Letter Word, dedicated to Swedish composer and pianist Esbjorn Svensson, tragically killed in a diving accident in 2008. This was a fabulous and totally engaging performance containing exciting contrasts of tempo and rhythm, the saxophone playing against a wonderful sound-backdrop provided by the piano. A profound moment, heard but not visible to many of the audience, was the repeated forearm- clutch of bass notes on the piano as Jonathon pressed them with his left forearm, whilst continuing to play individual notes with his right-hand – this moment suggested Svensson drowning. The simplistic beauty of the opening of Planel’s Prelude et Saltarelle, moved into a saxophone cadenza, ending with a fun Saltarello. Next, two movements from Woods Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano - : a gentle and impressionistic first movement gave way to an increase in tempo in the second movement. With alluring saxophone and atmospheric piano, the movement evolved into a stunning performance from both saxophone and piano as it closed. Alastair and Jonathon continued with a demanding Carmen Fantasy, Bizet/ arr. Borne. Beginning with the familiar and steady rhythmic Habanera, the demands upon the saxophonist progressively increased to a fiery finish. A relaxing encore, And Everything is Still, Scott a beautiful piece, closed a superb concert. IM
Alastair Penman & Jonathon Pease Saxophone & Piano [Review extract] 20th January 2022. The Society presented two exceptional musicians: Alastair Penman, saxophone, and Jonathon Pease, piano. Enjoying musical equality in a synergistic combination, the duo gave an electrifying performance. With Alastair’s engaging introductions setting the scene for each piece, the audience enjoyed a refreshing programme of accessible modern classical music and arrangements of popular pieces; nicely balanced between the virtuosic and gentler moments.The concert opened decisively with Iturralde’s Pequena Czarda. Beginning with shades of Piazzolla before referencing Czardas, the quality of both musicians was evident. Playing fluidly, Alastair explored the range of his alto-saxophone with ease as the two captured and then held the interest of the audience for the rest of the concert. Then Ravel’s impressionistic Pièce en forme de Habanera - a hypnotic and beautiful arrangement for saxophone. No one would be leaving at half-time and the hall buzzed with excitement as the second- half was eagerly anticipated. Returning with what was arguably the best and most demanding piece of the concert for the duo, Scott’s Three Letter Word, dedicated to Swedish composer and pianist Esbjorn Svensson, tragically killed in a diving accident in 2008. This was a fabulous and totally engaging performance containing exciting contrasts of tempo and rhythm, the saxophone playing against a wonderful sound-backdrop provided by the piano. A profound moment, heard but not visible to many of the audience, was the repeated forearm-clutch of bass notes on the piano as Jonathon pressed them with his left forearm, whilst continuing to play individual notes with his right-hand this moment suggested Svensson drowning. The simplistic beauty of the opening of Planel’s Prelude et Saltarelle, moved into a saxophone cadenza, ending with a fun Saltarello. Next, two movements from Woods Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano - : a gentle and impressionistic first movement gave way to an increase in tempo in the second movement. With alluring saxophone and atmospheric piano, the movement evolved into a stunning performance from both saxophone and piano as it closed. Alastair and Jonathon continued with a demanding Carmen Fantasy, Bizet/ arr. Borne. Beginning with the familiar and steady rhythmic Habanera, the demands upon the saxophonist progressively increased to a fiery finish. A relaxing encore, And Everything is Still, Scott a beautiful piece, closed a superb concert. IM