Brimming emotion in expressive Leamington concert

There’s no shortage of fine recordings of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A. However, a live performance at the town hall by the outstanding Neil Aston lifts the spirits of the loyal Beauchamp audience.

That middle movement, adagio, brings a tear to the eye of many – it is such an expressive movement with masses of brimming emotion.

Aston plays a basset clarinet – created using ebonite from China and using US skills for the finishing touches. His sparkling rondo brought a memorable performance to an end.

Beauchamp opened up with Hindemith’s overture, Amor and Psyche, at times putting leader Sue Meteyard, playing solo violin, in direct competition with trombones and other brass. She held her own.

Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ Symphony completed a most enjoyable afternoon with one of Leamington’s most friendly and successful ensembles. I continue to admire the output by the wind section and first and second violins are as strong as I’ve heard them.

Enjoying himself as much as anyone, Anthony Corbett (timpani) put every effort into the allegro ‘storm’ movement to great effect.

Clive Peacock