Reviews by pupils from Gracemount High School
Not being a fan of classical music, and this being my first visit to a classical concert, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this performance of Mozart's Serenade for 13 Wind Instruments, 'Gran Partita'. Now having been to hear a performance by the SCO I did actually enjoy it!
I found the church setting quite strange as it was cold, but when the music started a warm feeling was created. The audience was a mix of people and the 6 o'clock start worked well, giving those people who had come straight from work and hour to relax and miss the rush hour traffic before heading home.
The Swiss conductor, Thierry Fischer was quite eccentric, using unusual hand gestures to bring out the emotions in the music although this artistic conducting showed that he was very passionate about the music.
The Orchestra's sharp articulation, dynamic contrasts and clear sound also helped to grab the audience's attention, and to make the melody of each movement sing out and dance. At the end of the piece the audience erupted with a huge round of applause for the conductor and the musicians.
Sarah Montgomery
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St Cuthbert's was full and rich of life
with a wide range of ages in the audience in eager anticipation of the performers. The SCO musicians arrived with smiles on their faces followed by their batonless condcutor, Thierry Fischer. To describe his conducting I would say that it was very vivid and extravagant for such a small ensemble. He does not conduct every beat but rather conducts the emotion of each section. Some of his movements were quite robotic.
The players were full of live, especially the clarinettist Maximiliano Martin whose movements were very intense but once again perhaps too much for a small ensemble.
For me the most enjoyable movement was the Theme and Variations with its clear sounds and energetic playing. Once the performance ended the players received a very long and enthusiastic applause. I look forward to the next concert on the 13th November.
Sean Kane
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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra's performance of Mozart's Serenade for 13 Wind Instruments last night in St Cuthbert's church was really enjoyable. This was my first classical concert and I expected the audience to be of the older generation and was surprised to see such a range of ages...
The conductor, Thierry Fischer was very involved with the music with sharp and quick movements when bringing in the players. The clarinettist, Maximiliano Martin looked as if he was dancing on his seat as he was playing.
Overall I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and I will hopefully see the Scottish Chamber Orchestra play again in the near future.
Jenna Abrahams
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This was my first visit to a classical concert. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra performed Mozart's Serenade for 13 Wind Instruments in St Cuthbert's Church which was a very suitable setting. They played to an almost full house.
The conductor, Thierry Fischer gave a good performance putting his heart and soul into the music. His instructions were clear and I felt the orchestra really relied on him.
The first movement started nicely...By the middle of the second movement when all the instruments and the original themes of the music had been introduced, I found the rest a little repetitive and dull. The performers played well and I would recommend this for someone who loves this type of music. For me, this piece would not encourage me to like classical music.
Sarah Mitchell
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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra played at St Cuthbert's Parish Church on 9th October. It was overwhelming and they played to a full house. The atmosphere was good and the surroundings were beautiful - a good choice of venue.
The conductor, Thierry Fischer was a fun conductor to watch as I couldn't keep my eyes off him. He was really into the music, cheerful and his reactions were big to help bring out the emotions in the music.
The thirteen wind instruments in the ensemble played Mozart's 'Gran Partita' and each one was excellent. The first movement was exciting but I did feel it went on a bit too long.
Overall I enjoyed the experience and recommend it to everyone.
Yvonne Tsui
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