BREMF – The Phesant’s Eye – Ensemble Hesperi

Mary-Jannet Leith (recorders) and Thomas Allery (harpsichord) are well known to BREMF audiences for their imaginative and charming programmes. Starting and ending with five quaint examples of flowers from James Oswald’s Spring Airs, the concert of Musical Delights from the Scottish Baroque also included ‘improved’ versions of antique folk tunes and Italian and Dutch composers’ works in the popular Scottish style. They went to some ingenious lengths to achieve the ‘right’ effect which these two virtuosi managed to realise effectively. Their rapport is special and made for a refreshing lunchtime concert. I think I prefer my bagpipes from the harpsichord!

Friends’ Meeting House, 4 November 2017
Rating:
Andrew Connal