LIVE REVIEW: Antony and Friends May Concert – Todmorden

The Antony and Friends series of concerts are organised by Antony Brannick and feature himself and guests. They give mainly classical music, but often offer lesser known work and unusual instruments. The emphasis is on enjoyment. There are lovely refreshments and entry is by donation.

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The main feature of the May concert was a Mozart quintet for piano and wind instruments. It started with a Haydn piano sonata (Hob XVI), played by Antony Brannick, that put the audience in a good mood. Then he introduced the wind soloists – Verity Quarmby (oboe), Jane Killian (clarinet), Bob Shaw (French horn) and Shelley Wilson (bassoon). Each played a piece that showcased the character of their instrument. In the final one, Gilbert Vinter’s ‘The Playful Pachyderm’, the bassoon reached for its lowest notes to express the creature’s eventual disappointment.

The second half opened with a rondo by Hummel – a composer overshadowed by Mozart. Finally we had the quintet itself (K452). I noticed how Mozart also contrasted the wind instruments by giving them solo phrases as well as having them all playing together. The audience went home happy.

Concerts take place about once a month. Contact: acb@wrigleyclaydontod.com

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I came to Todmorden in 1979 with my record collection but have gradually become converted to live music