September 25, 2015

  • Modern English String Music

     

    Joubert: The Instant Moment; Temps Perdu; Sinfonietta
    Henry Hereford, baritone  English String Orchestra/William Boughton
    Naxos 8.571368
    Total Time:  69:56
    Recording:   ****/****
    Performance: ****/****

    Discovering the music of a composer for the first time is perhaps one of the great joys of listening to music.  There will be much to consider when one first hears the music on this new disc featuring the work of John Joubert (b. 1927).  Born in South Africa, Joubert won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music and would settle in England becoming a noted lecturer and composer.  Unfortunately, Naxos does not provide much background for the composer in this new release exploring three works for string orchestra.

    The first piece, Temps Perdu, Op. 99 (1984) explores a theme, taken from an earlier work of the composer’s, in a fascinating set of four variations that follow.  Inspired by Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past, the piece also features hints of Sibelius’ Violin Sonata in d and perhaps some Saint-Saens.  But, what most will hear is that Joubert’s work is in that wonderful long line of engaging string ensemble pieces, perhaps a bit of Warlock.  The music is tonally accessible, interestingly dramatic, and well-shaped.  It makes for a fitting opening to pull in the listener.

    The Sinfonietta, Op. 38 was commissioned in 1962 by the Orchestra da Camera.  This is a three-movement work for chamber orchestra with expressive writing for oboe and strings.  There is a lively dance and thematic/motivic connections that tie the movements together.  Sometimes the horns feel a little taxed in this performance, otherwise, it is a fine performance.

    The more substantial piece on the program is The Instant Moment, Op. 110.  The performers here commissioned and premiered this work in 1987.  It is based on five poems from D.H. Lawrence’s Look at What We Have Come Through!.  The texts explore different aspects of love and give us a chance to hear Joubert’s musical nuancing of texts.  Though composed later in the 20th Century, these pieces feel a closer kin with mid-century English music.  The vocal writing tends to be more exposed here with subtle string backgrounds commenting against the vocal line in the opening “Bei Hennef”.  A more agitated approach perfectly matches “Loggerheads.”  The musical backdrop tends to be fairly restrained here though with occasional crescendos that provide a cry or two against the text explication.  This is an interesting work, that might grow on one over time.

    The present recording is a re-issue of British Music Society recording from 1987.  To say that release would be missed by most is an understatement and so it is good that Naxos has found a way to bring this music to a wider audience.  Fans of English chamber music, and works for string orchestra will revel in the musical language Joubert has developed.  The music tends to be live within an accessible tonal framework with well-designed structures and signposts to guide the listener.  The pieces here would all be quite capable of standing next to a host of more familiar string fare and do deserve a wider audience.  That should happen now, and perhaps more of Joubert’s music will begin to appear.  Here we get a chance to hear an ensemble and conductor who have been highly supportive of Joubert’s music.