REVIEW BY BW

THIS being the 25th Bewdley Festival, something special was called for and there is no question that The Brodsky is a world class group.

This concert in St Anne’s Church was therefore quite a coup for Bewdley made possible by the generosity of the Patrons of Bewdley Festival.

The Programme was made up of the works of an unusual range of composers, the common theme was said to be that all were driven by the human voice.

The Hugo Wolf Italian Serenade is a light, lilting piece which, while not very well known, provided a lively start to the concert.

It was pointed out that the Verdi Quartet was in fact the only one he ever wrote as an interlude from his operas.

It is apparently revered by musicians for its technical demands in the four very different movements and was brilliantly executed. The Purcell Chaconne was the most well known of the pieces.

This is a beautiful work although it is probably better suited to the full chamber orchestra. The Britten Quartet No 2 contrasted well with the earlier works.

While this was an enjoyable and beautifully played concert, the choice of programme seemed designed to appeal more to the intellect than the heart.