The players were able to bounce back and forth off each other in ever increasing vibrancy towards a fiery and speedy finale. The variations themselves ran through a whole gamut of emotions, assisted by a dynamic intensity weaving a strong musical narrative.
Some fine arpeggios and trills from Henderson were underpinned by a bright and ferocious piano as the variations became ever more heated. The diversity of the variations led us into some andante and allegro sections with increasing brisk, lively playing while one variation offered a splendid marching theme. Commencing quietly with gentle, light touches on piano and delicate phrasing on the flute, there was excellent articulation by both musicians. Written as a virtuosic piece for flute and played superbly by Jonathan Henderson as the voice of the tragic hero, this interpretation was strongly supported by first-rate piano accompaniment from Vatche Jambazian.
The Introduction and Variations, based on the ‘Dried Flowers’ lied, is part of Die Schöne Müllerin song cycle, a poignant story of unrequited love. Fitting into the concert theme of crisis and raw emotion, with relevance to the natural world, it was a good opening choice. While Schubert is famous for his 600 plus output of lieder (songs), this work, written in the last months of his life, surprised with a freshness and compositional vigour that might be associated with a more youthful Schubert. In keeping with their initial format of a major work by the named composer, Contra Schubert opened with Schubert’s Introduction and Variations on ‘Trockne Blumen’ for flute and piano in E minor d.802 op. In addition to Brisbane concerts in the intimate, heritage-listed Holy Trinity Hall, the chamber music series has been extended to regional centres that include Toowoomba and Stanthorpe.įlautist and Curator of Contra Concerts, Jonathan Henderson, is also a member of established chamber music ensemble Southern Cross Soloists, who have partnered with Contra Concerts to present this concert series. Following its inaugural four-concert program in 2021 featuring chamber music works by Bach, Debussy, Beethoven and Piazzolla, the 2022 Contra Concerts season presented two programs with works by Mozart and Schubert.
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