Marlborough College Concert Series prides itself on presenting and promoting world class musicians, and has done so with impressive consistency since 1941. This isn’t an empty strapline, but a promise to deliver, and in the opening concert of MCCS 83rd season, it continued to do just that.
Miloš Karadaglić, or Miloš as he is affectionally known, is an exceptionally gifted musician and an utterly persuasive performer. His programmes are delivered with true precision and exquisite control and through his most intimate and delicate delivery the overall experience is captivating.
His choice of programme was spot on and, as he informed us, was a glorious musical journey through the ages inspired by the Baroque. From the early offerings of Weiss, Rameau and Handel we concluded the first half with a hugely successful transcription of the great D minor Chaconne by Bach, and what a treat that was, brimming with intrigue and clever negotiation of what was originally a work written for the violin. How remarkable that the piece can be so intelligently adapted without the vital ingredient of a bow! As an aside, what struck me about this particular rendition was the clarity of the voicing throughout – just perfect.
The second half was a superb contrast, opening with Albéniz’s popular and gripping ‘Asturias’ where Miloš really flexed his virtuosic muscles and, oh my goodness, the clarity of the harmonics were simply breath-taking. A trio of gems followed: Scarlatti (Sonata in B minor), Barrios’s atmospheric La Catedral and a complimentary performance of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ before ‘Amor Fati’ by Mathias Duplessy (born 1972) brought this fabulous recital to a conclusion.
So often concerts these days are all about ‘noise’ (which in its own way can be effective), but this was about ‘sound’ – sound which is subtly crafted and truly compelling. What a performer, what an artist – a world class musician indeed.
Philip Dukes FGSM HonARAM
Artistic Director