Holywell Music Rooms - 24/11/2012 - Four Parts Guitar.

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keithmeredith
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Location: Corby, Northamptonshire

Holywell Music Rooms - 24/11/2012 - Four Parts Guitar.

Postby keithmeredith » Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:34 pm

Four Parts Guitar – definition: a combination of prodigious musical talent and expertise demonstrating respect and friendship – consisting of: Gordon Giltrap, Ray Burley, John Etheridge and Clive Carroll.

The last time I visited the Holywell Music Rooms was to see Double Vision in 2008. On that occasion the auditorium was largely uncontaminated by an audience and unfortunately a combination of appalling weather, non-existent promotion by the venue, and possibly a clash of dates with some little known wrinkly rockers playing the O2 arena meant that the hall was at about half capacity for this ultimate gig in the 2012 Four Parts Guitar world tour. These recognized and revered exponents of their art deserve wider support.

It is a bright and characterful venue – the oldest concert hall in Europe. Built in 1748, it is today part of Wadham College. The place oozes historical character and has great acoustics – which perhaps helped the esteemed Sir Michael Stranks with his auditory conjuring. Amongst many other famous composers and musicians, Haydn and Handel have performed here – they didn’t turn up tonight either.

In the first half solo portion of the evening’s proceedings, each played a different selection from that presented on the previous evening at Huntingdon Hall. This very effectively kept the performance and presentation fresh for both the listeners and the players. It allowed us to enjoy Gordon opening with the jaunty Shining Morn – Ray proffering Guimaraes, Grauna – John gave us Doxy and Clive – making his Oxford debut – presented his atmospheric Oregon.

Holywell has no refreshment facilities – those requiring sustenance must visit the licensed hostelry next door to compete with some of the local student body. A misunderstanding over the length of interval resulted in our four heroes returning to the stage before much of the audience. No matter. Mr. Carroll gave an impromptu and finger-torturing rendition of Czardas - to much appreciative applause – while the stragglers returned to their seats.

The post interval presentation was identical to that of the previous evening with the addition of Agua y vinho by Gismonti executed beautifully by Clive and Ray.

There was very much an end of term air about this evening. The quality of the music was superb, the jokes and the banter came thick and fast ( how do you write blues when you have a conservatory?), but above all the mutual respect and admiration that these four friends have for one another shone through. They were clearly having fun and enjoying being together.

Four Parts Guitar gatherings are rare – it being difficult to synchronize the diaries of four superlative and busy artists. This rarity makes them extra special, and I very much look forward to the next time.

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Roger
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Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 8:02 pm
Location: Southsea

Re: Holywell Music Rooms - 24/11/2012 - Four Parts Guitar.

Postby Roger » Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:15 pm

Pleasure to read Keith :D Obviously have great memories of the 4 Parts Eastbourne gig, but also of Oxford, many moons ago :)

Best to you sir,

Roger


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