Page 19 - The Gonzaga Record 1987
P. 19
A PRIVILEGED EVENING
On Friday 28 November 1986, Hugh Tinney returned to his alma mater
to give a concert on behalf of the Gonzaga Past Pupils Benevolent Fund.
There were few in the audience who needed to be introduced to our
distinguished soloist, since his reputation had gone before him, as
evidenced in the success- filled biographical note that was provided in the
well-produced programme. An air of keen anticipation filled the school
hall. We were not to be disappointed.
Hugh opened with a very interesting choice of composer: the mid-
eighteenth century Spanish priest, Antonio Soler. We heard three of his
many sonatas. The playing echoed the characteristics of the harpsichord,
the instrument for which the works were written. A delightful mixture of
the delicate and the stately. A gentle yet moving opening to the evening.
The B Minor Sonata of Chopin completed the first half of the concert.
~ very interesting interpretation. Hugh is not afraid to choose his own
tempi, and he gave an account in accordance with that choice. The
balance maintained throughout in the left-hand gave a satisfying
coherence to the performance.
The second part of the evening consisted of a selection from the more
'philosophical' works of Liszt, including two of the Transcendental
Studies and the very challenging Hungarian Rhapsody "Pesther
Karneval", between which we heard a beautifully even rendition of the
third Consolation. Hugh's exceptionally fine yet easy technique helped us
to enjoy the spirit of these deeply emotional works, despite their obvious
difficult technical challenges. And it showed great sensitivity to choose
two transcriptions from the quieter pieces of Bach (a slow movement
from one of the flute concerti and Myra Hess' arrangement of "Jesu, joy
of man's desiring") to bring the concert to its tranquil end. A
performance that brought joy to all privileged to hear it.
A wine reception brought the celebration to a most pleasant
conclusion. The organisers are to be congratulated on giving us an
evening worthy of the important cause for which it was held.
J.A. Brennan SJ
17
On Friday 28 November 1986, Hugh Tinney returned to his alma mater
to give a concert on behalf of the Gonzaga Past Pupils Benevolent Fund.
There were few in the audience who needed to be introduced to our
distinguished soloist, since his reputation had gone before him, as
evidenced in the success- filled biographical note that was provided in the
well-produced programme. An air of keen anticipation filled the school
hall. We were not to be disappointed.
Hugh opened with a very interesting choice of composer: the mid-
eighteenth century Spanish priest, Antonio Soler. We heard three of his
many sonatas. The playing echoed the characteristics of the harpsichord,
the instrument for which the works were written. A delightful mixture of
the delicate and the stately. A gentle yet moving opening to the evening.
The B Minor Sonata of Chopin completed the first half of the concert.
~ very interesting interpretation. Hugh is not afraid to choose his own
tempi, and he gave an account in accordance with that choice. The
balance maintained throughout in the left-hand gave a satisfying
coherence to the performance.
The second part of the evening consisted of a selection from the more
'philosophical' works of Liszt, including two of the Transcendental
Studies and the very challenging Hungarian Rhapsody "Pesther
Karneval", between which we heard a beautifully even rendition of the
third Consolation. Hugh's exceptionally fine yet easy technique helped us
to enjoy the spirit of these deeply emotional works, despite their obvious
difficult technical challenges. And it showed great sensitivity to choose
two transcriptions from the quieter pieces of Bach (a slow movement
from one of the flute concerti and Myra Hess' arrangement of "Jesu, joy
of man's desiring") to bring the concert to its tranquil end. A
performance that brought joy to all privileged to hear it.
A wine reception brought the celebration to a most pleasant
conclusion. The organisers are to be congratulated on giving us an
evening worthy of the important cause for which it was held.
J.A. Brennan SJ
17
