Reviews
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Leading the way
because virtually unchallenged in the field, the Libra Ensemble presented a set
of three concerts at the North Melbourne Arts House in August with masterful
demonstrations of how to perform 20th-century "difficult" music.
The Libra
Ensemble offer much to the sonically attuned as precise interpreters of
complex, uncompromising works. ... by presenting new works alongside
masterpieces of the 20th century canon, Libra enriches the Melbourne music
scene.
the sheer
energy and deliberation of the players' attack made for a gripping reading of
Berg's lengthy, neglected work. [Kammerkonzert]
it is a mark
of this organization's endeavours that Libra programs move across so wide a
field, keeping us in touch with the roots of contemporary music and its latest
sounds, homegrown and imported.
the Libra
performers were driven by the determined energy of true zealots and, if some of
us suffered from information overload, at least we could not say we were
short-changed.
Artistic
directors Carl Rosman and Mark Knoop clearly aim to promote Australian-based
composers, a stance that needs to be wildly applauded.
a terrific
concert showing not only great performance practice but also an intriguing
array of pieces.
...Kayser's phenomenal voice. Her instrument should be promoted as a national
treasure for its flexibility is so great that one would be hard pressed to find
too many others like it in Australia.
Not just for
being isolated in their field, but also for their obvious expertise and
sympathetic performances, the Libra players are well worth attention.
© Libra Ensemble 2005
