REVIEWS of PAST CONCERTS from PHILIP EVE
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of In Fond Memory in the Old Synagogue, in March 2007, the Kent Gazette, said: |
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Art Song is a tricky beast. Its interpretation requires all the drama of the operatic repertoire, whilst remembering this is chamber music, where less really is more. This balance between the innate theatricality of the songs themselves, and the need of artists to 'interpret', was evident on Saturday evening, as Eve and Gould demonstrated a virtuosic synthesis between singer and pianist. Saturday's concert was a loving reminder of why we treasure chamber music, and that we are lucky to have two such accomplished artists to bring it to us.
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of
Love Imagined -
Love Remembered in the
Canterbury Music Club Season, |
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in Schumann's Liederkreis Op. 39... all the qualities one has come to expect from Eve and Gould were there in abundance - faultless vocal technique, idiomatic diction and beautiful tone together with minute attention to details of phrasing and balance. In der Fremde in particular was superbly balanced, as good a performance as I've ever heard. Mondnacht's soft and high vocal line, that most exacting of vocal demands, was beautifully sung, the piano transparent and accurate in every detail. The fragmented counterpoint of Auf einer Burg, taken at a slow but absolutely perfect tempo sounded like coloured jewels in the old church acoustic. These were performances that drew the listener irresistibly into Schumann's Romantic, melancholy and magical world.
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of
Italy Meets Britten in
the Canterbury Festival, |
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Word is beginning to get around that Philip Eve and Christopher Gould's recitals are among the highlights of the year in Canterbury... both artists demonstrated compelling virtuosity in delivering these complex pieces. Gerald Finzi's Till Earth Outwears, is a collection of exquisite watercolours... one could not wish to hear it better sung. As always with these two artists, a deeply enjoyable and exhilarating experience.
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of Love Songs on a Spring Evening in April 2006: |
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These two artists once again proved that they can deliver an evening of song by turns beguiling, amusing, thought-provoking and deeply moving. Finzi's A Young Man's Exhortation filled the second half of the concert. Its unique blend of Nostalgia and Modernism, rigour and fantasy were explored in fascinating detail.
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of their Canterbury Festival Recital in October 2005: |
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The Old Synagogue provided an ideal acoustic and ambience in which to experience the consummate artistry of these two performers... from haunting pianissimo to the final fortissimo Philip's voice got right inside this fascinating music. This really was as good as it gets! |
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