Page 201 - ASMF Marriner 100 Coverage Book

The first in the series, at St Martin in the Fields was a genuinely exuberant celebration. The
ensemble’s spiritual home is one I know well from singing in the church choir there and was
the perfect setting to remember this most English of conductors – there’s a small
exhibition in the crypt so you can learn more about his life and contribution to British music.

Handel Concerto Grosso in B flat was directed by Tomo Keller from the principal violin’s
seat. A work which really suited the acoustic of the venue, the orchestra played brilliantly.
A stunning oboe solo, great dynamic contrast and careful articulation and ornamentation
made this a work that epitomised Marriner’s approach to the baroque.

Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was one of Marriner’s favourite
works and was again directed by Tomo Keller from the principal violin’s seat. It’s one of my
own favourites too – a special memory for me as I believe it was part of the first orchestral
concert I took part in with the local county youth orchestra. Needless to say, we were not
left to the mercy of our leader but had a conductor holding the two orchestras together –
while here, it was a great example of the Academy’s almost organic performances when
directed by their leader. It’s a wonderful work that engulfs the audience in sublime and
lyrical music. With excellent dynamics from the main string orchestra and a haunting
offstage quartet, it was tear-jerkingly beautiful. A few out-of-synch pizzicato moments but
otherwise impeccable performance with stunning solos from the section leaders.

For the next work in the programme, Mozart Symphony 25 in G minor K183, the orchestra
was joined by Joshua Bell, directing from the leader’s seat and by a collection of brass and
woodwind. A dynamic performance, I was impressed by the cohesive playing. It was an
Amadeus moment, the spirit of Mozart seemed to fill the church with Bell enthusiastically
leading the orchestra into a fast-paced yet controlled performance.