Fascinating and highly enjoyable Duo concert

Cowal Music Club’s first concert of the year, featuring the Intesa Duo , - Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti (viols), from London,  turned out to be a fascinating and highly enjoyable occasion.  It was immediately clear how the duo attained Tunnell Trust prizewinner status last year.

Unfortunately, Lucine was suffering from laryngitis and could not sing as planned, but the Duo had alternative repertoire ready which entertained and thrilled the large audience in St John’s Church Hall.  From the first moments, listeners were able to appreciate the remarkably beautiful and very special sounds of the viols, which, equipped with 7 strings, were easily able to fill the hall with sonorous sounds, including many chordal idioms.  Their playing was highly musical and expertly executed, with every work receiving a fine performance.

The audience showed great interest in the instruments, which preceded the violin family in musical history, and were the focus of string playing in the UK, France, & Italy back in the 15^th & 16^th centuries. Interestingly, there has been a resurgence of interest in the instrument, and it was revealed that Nathan’s viol was just 5 years old, while Lucine’s was 15 – both copies of older instruments.  However, just as modern violin makers today often copy quality instruments made by famous makers such as Stradivarius or Guarneri, so they can also make excellent copies of  instruments such as viols surviving from earlier times.

The varied programme included works by French composer Marin Marais, which were at times remarkably elaborate and active, as well as items by  the Scottish Tobias Hume and the English composer Michael East. Highly memorable, too, was some notably atmospheric music from Armenia, - Lucine’s country of birth.  Some items which were especially effective had been arranged by the duo, including an attractive harpsichord piece by Couperin. The range of expression and wonderful intonation including numerous double-stops were complimented by superb bowing control, -  bowing on viols being demonstrably very different to violin bowing.

Such was the fascination of the audience, that at the end of the concert, the duo took questions, which were genially answered,  and the closing applause showed just how much everyone attending had enjoyed and appreciated the occasion, -  best described as fascinating and beautiful!

Cowal Music Club’s next concert is scheduled for February 22^nd at 2.30pm in Dunoon Burgh Hall, when pianist & arranger Gordon Cree and his singer wife Cheryl will entertain. The Club is especially delighted that this eminent top Scottish ‘showbiz’ duo have agreed to come to Dunoon, and look forward to welcoming them! 

-A date  for your diary!