Candlelit concert at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, Saturday 27th November by Jo Hatton, Music Teacher at Brighton and Hove Sixth Form College.

It might have been cold and miserable outside, but there was plenty of warmth and joy inside, at Ensemble Reza’s candlelit concert at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield.  Guest pianist Dominic John opened the concert with a refreshingly individual interpretation of Gershwin’s ‘Three Preludes for Piano solo’; the virtuosic exuberance of the 1st and 3rd preludes balanced by the sense of space in the central blues lullaby.  This was followed by an exquisite performance of Dvořák’s ‘American’ string quartet, the sublimely lyrical first two movements leading to the rhythmic exhilaration of the third and fourth movements.  What makes Ensemble Reza concerts so special, besides the undeniable skill of the performers, is their profound empathy for each other, as both musicians and friends. Their delight in each other’s playing was evident throughout the concert and the rapport between them resulted in finely balanced ensemble playing. 

The second half of the concert saw a return to the jazz-inspired music of Gershwin, with ‘An American in Paris’ brilliantly orchestrated for string sextet, clarinet and snare drum. Anna Cooper’s skillful arrangement lost none of the energy and excitement of the orchestral original. Gershwin included the sound of taxi horns in his 1928 version, Anna’s 2021 version included both horn and kazoo! Steve Dummer breathed new life into the well-known opening clarinet cadenza of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and this compelling start developed into another brilliantly inventive and enjoyable arrangement by Anna Cooper.  Dominic John delighted the audience with his breath-takingly virtuosic solo piano passages in which his distinctive phrasing was once again apparent.  The audience were treated to two additional Gershwin pieces not in the programme: ‘Promenade’ and ‘A Foggy Day’, again showcasing Anna Cooper’s arranging talents as well as the exceptional musicianship of the players.  This was a profoundly joyful concert in a beautiful candlelit setting, in which the musical understanding and friendship of these exceptional musicians shone through every note.