Music Review: The Schumann Duo @ Amadora Recital Hall

Second Life Live Music Review
Written by Michael Schaf
Originally from Classical Music in Second Life
The Schumann Duo
Amadora Recital Hall

[NOTES FROM ENNIV ZARF: This review is written by Michael Schaf who is a choral conductor living in the United States. More info about him coming soon.]

Tonight, I had the pleasure of hearing the Schumann Duo playing their benefit concert for Toys for Tots.

The concert featured a series of pieces for a variety of instruments accompanied by piano, including the oboe, the English horn, the bass oboe, and not the least of which was the saw. Yes, the saw! The duo made some clever choices, presenting a number of pieces with the saw as the feature instrument, being played with a string bow to produce some interesting undulations.

I have to salute this double-reed player's skills. His accompanist noted that he played for many years as first-chair oboe for the L.A. Orchestra, no small feat to accomplish. His mastery of the instruments was amazing. Lovely control of dynamic, articulation, and artistry. In particular, I was touched by the performance of Edward Elgar's "Salut d'amour" on the English horn. The sensitivity given the piece by the duo drew me in a way I did not expect through a digital universe. I guess it goes to show that music can be beautiful through any medium if handled well. Thank you so much!

The saw on the other hand...

...ha ha ha ha. I find myself unable to embrace it. The technique of the player is certainly not to be questioned. He knew what he was doing, but I suppose the novelty of the instrument didn't win me over. It was cute to play "Hark! The herald angels sing!" on the saw and make everyone smile, but I wouldn't expect John Williams to add a part for it in any of his coming movie scores.

Another thing that perplexed me was the way in which the literature was presented. Most of the pieces were very short, less than 2 minutes in length, with just a few going longer. I admit I'm not a fan of lots of talking in a classical recital, where this recital had 1.5 minutes of music followed by 2 minutes of talking, making for a somewhat choppy experience. The duo played a lovely arrangement of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" for bass oboe and piano that I thoroughly enjoyed hearing, but it felt like barely an introduction to so much more. I was sad that it ended so soon. Let's hear the Milhaud Sonatina next time so we can revel in your gorgeous sounds, whaddaya say?

In short, the Schumann Duo are an excellent pair of musicians and a welcome addition to my second life. In spite of a few minor differences in opinion, I look forward to hearing them again.