Gig number 36 of 2014: The Australian Chamber Orchestra (with special guest Jonny Greenwood) at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. A fairly traditional programme of Haydn and Mozart played perfectly and energetically by the mostly standing ensemble- and then in the middle, the UK premiere of a piece called Water by the Radiohead guitarist. Based around a constant 15 minute drone played on tanpura (a sort of sitar-y thing) by the composer, it rippled and ebbed as its title suggested- before heading off in a distinctly stormy direction with some heavily rhythmic and dissonant sections. (And I dont think all the rhythm and dissonance were caused by my rumbling stomach trying to digest a Wagamamas Chicken and prawn Cha Han.) Easily the most interesting thing we heard all evening, it wasnt for everyone though, as the increased fidgeting and coughing throughout made quite clear. The worst offender: someone who I was quite sure was there as a Radiohead fan, with tattoos and piercings and all, you know, like those kids do these days. Nope, he could barely keep a straight face, such was his bewilderment at this piece. He loved the Mozart and the Haydn though- thatll teach me to be so judgmental.
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 21:34:31 +0000
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