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The English Songbook

by Heather Leviston 18th March, 2014
by Heather Leviston 18th March, 2014

Of the many excellent recitals presented in the Salon as part of the Local Heroes series, Continuo Collective’s English Songbook, featuring tenor Brenton Spiteri, would have to rate among the most accomplished. Read Heather Leviston’s review …

In a program mainly comprising works by Benjamin Britten and John Dowland, Geoffrey Morris (guitars) and Samantha Cohen (lute, theorbo) displayed technical assurance and musical eloquence. Brenton Spiteri is a young tenor equally endowed. His clear, firm voice has considerable beauty and his superb breath control ensured that phrasing was musical and meaningful. Intelligence and thorough preparation are obviously important components of his professionalism.

What sets him apart from many other young singers is his ability to communicate with his audience. Although he used a score, he was not dependent on it and sang most of the program from memory. Seated with the players a strong sense of intimacy and ensemble was immediately established. The contrasting moods of Britten’s Songs from the Chinese were conveyed by an emphasis on the drama of these pieces and Spiteri’s emotional involvement.

A gentler, more melancholy mood prevailed in three gems from Dowland’s The First Booke of Songes, where Spiteri’s warm, velvety voice spun long, beguiling phrases. The transition from the last of the three songs, Come Heavy Sleep, into Britten’s Nocturnal after John Dowland was extremely effective. Beginning with its quasi-improvisatory passage, Geoffrey Morris gave a sensitive and gloriously sonorous reading of a work written for the great English lutenist and guitarist, Julian Bream. Based on Come Heavy Sleep, it is a work that made an important contribution to the establishment of the guitar’s modern repertoire. Some atmospheric blue lighting and the appearance of a crescent moon added to the nocturnal spirit.

The following Folk Songs by Britten again provided an opportunity for variation in mood and character on the part of singer, now standing, and guitarist. The jaunty humour of Sailor-Boy and tongue-in-cheek-drama of The Soldier and the Sailor were given a spirited treatment.

Although not quite English, two songs by talented Melbourne composer Dermot Tutty made an appealing conclusion to the program. With Samantha Cohen on theorbo and Geoffrey Morris on guitar, Tutty explored the capacity of these instruments to convey the spinning of Spring Snowflake and fading shimmer of blue in Falsely Wed. His sympathetic understanding of the tenor voice made for some particularly lovely moments, most notably in exquisite soft passages.

Both works reflected a gratifyingly fruitful collaboration between the composer and an unusual configuration of performers.

THE ENGLISH SONGBOOK

Continuo Collective

Melbourne Recital Centre

March 17

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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Events Calendar

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  • May 2022

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0 events, 25

2 events, 26

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Mystic Dances

April 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Mystic Dances

The sumptuous combination of flute, viola and harp. The sumptuous combination of flute, viola and harp unites three exciting, young soloists…

$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 8:10 pm

ASQ in Concert: Britten Paterson Beethoven

April 26 @ 7:00 pm - 8:10 pm

ASQ in Concert: Britten Paterson Beethoven

Program Benjamin Britten Three Divertimenti David Paterson String Quartet No.1 (Melbourne premiere)* Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in C, Op.59 No.3,…

$60 – $70

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

1 event, 30

7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Across the Vast, Eternal Sky – The music of Ola Gjeilo

April 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Across the Vast, Eternal Sky – The music of Ola Gjeilo

Ola Gjeilo is one of the most frequently performed composers in the choral world. An accomplished pianist, improvisations over his own…

$25 – $55

2 events, 1

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Bach’s World

May 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Bach’s World

Music from Bach’s world, and music inspired by it, with guest direction by Sophie Rowell. Program Jan Zelenka Hypocondrie à 7…

$30 – $143
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 1 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Presented by IOpera and Melbourne Opera, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a satirical opera which premiered…

$35 – $95

2 events, 2

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Penny Quartet: Metamorphosis

May 2 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Penny Quartet: Metamorphosis

Celebrating the joys and complexities of the string quartet. Program György Ligeti String Quartet No.1, ‘Métamorphoses nocturnes’ Ella Macens Resting with…

$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison & Friends: Pictures

May 2 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison & Friends: Pictures

An animated, intimate and joyous event not to be missed. Program Christoph Willibald Gluck Orfeo ed Euridice Act II: ‘Dance of…

$45 – $55

2 events, 3

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 3 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

Australia’s finest early music specialists invite you to experience the beautiful melding of cultures in Europe’s historical borderlands for Musica Viva…

$40 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Presented by IOpera and Melbourne Opera, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a satirical opera which premiered…

$35 – $95

1 event, 4

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

1 event, 5

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

Presented by IOpera and Melbourne Opera, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a satirical opera which premiered…

$35 – $95

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

3 events, 8

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mother’s Day at fortyfivedownstairs: “Viola, Viola” and “Brahms and Dances”

May 8 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mother’s Day at fortyfivedownstairs: “Viola, Viola” and “Brahms and Dances”

Mothers Day at fortyfivedownstairs! On Sunday the 8th of May, enjoy two gorgeous recitals in our theatre and a lovely afternoon…

$70
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Opera: Bel Canto Opera Spectacular

May 8 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Opera: Bel Canto Opera Spectacular

  Join a superb line-up of Australia's most renowned opera stars and the Melbourne Opera Orchestra on Mother's Day and celebrate…

$59
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Mozart

May 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Mozart

Stepping in to perform a sublime solo work in place of Craig Hill is none other than the Brandenburg’s own beloved Concertmaster, Shaun Lee-Chen.

$30 – $170

2 events, 9

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIAZMA – Relaxed Performance

May 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIAZMA – Relaxed Performance

About the artists Described as ‘masterful’, ‘positively ecstatic’ and ‘profoundly moving, subtle and exuberant’, the KIAZMA Piano Duo brings together the infectious musical…

$10
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby and Friends Twilight Series – Four-Part Harmony

May 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby and Friends Twilight Series – Four-Part Harmony

This program of beautiful piano quartets with four artists of extraordinary skill and warmth will be thrilling. Program Paul Stanhope My…

$55 – $57

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 11

2 events, 12

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jacqueline Porter & Dean Sky-Lucas – The Art of French Song

May 12 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jacqueline Porter & Dean Sky-Lucas – The Art of French Song

Jacqueline Porter (soprano) and Dean Sky-Lucas (piano) explore the inextricable links between poetry and music in an evening of exquisite French…

$24 – $44
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Kawai Piano Series – Stefan Cassomenos – Hammerklavier

Stefan Cassemenos
May 12 @ 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Kawai Piano Series – Stefan Cassomenos – Hammerklavier

Internationally acclaimed pianist Stefan Cassomenos presents three sweeping visions from venerated compositional titans - Ligeti’s epic whirlwind étude 'Fanfares', Gubaidulina’s earth-shattering…

$24 – $44

1 event, 13

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

2 events, 14

6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 14 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

Australia’s finest early music specialists invite you to experience the beautiful melding of cultures in Europe’s historical borderlands for Musica Viva…

$40 – $153

1 event, 15

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

GLOW – Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday

May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

GLOW – Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday

Jasper Ly is an Australian oboist based in Melbourne. He is a dynamic and vibrant performer who aims to captivate and…

$25 – $35

2 events, 16

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

Benjamin Britten and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reach out to one another across the centuries in profound and deeply moving communion. Mozart’s…

$25 – $131
7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

1 event, 17

6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 17 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149

1 event, 18

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 19

0 events, 20

3 events, 21

12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 21 @ 12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149
7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

MSO and Melbourne Youth Orchestra in a special collaborative concert. Enjoy Respighi's symphonic showstopper plus a selection of modern masterpieces as…

$35
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

Benjamin Britten and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reach out to one another across the centuries in profound and deeply moving communion. Mozart’s…

$25 – $131

1 event, 22

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

May 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

Don’t miss the Australian Boys Choir in an orchestral extravaganza together with The Vocal Consort and the Australian Romantic & Classical…

$15 – $35

0 events, 23

1 event, 24

6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann
May 24 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

In a romance of mythical proportions, our Knight of the Swan rescues his damsel asking only one thing in return… Elsa…

$149

0 events, 25

1 event, 26

7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 26 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 27

1 event, 28

12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 28 @ 12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

Raise your glass, bat your pretty lashes, it’s Paris in the salons and you’re the life of the party. He’s staring…

$38 – $289

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

0 events, 4

0 events, 5

  • There are no events on this day.
April 26
April 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Mystic Dances

April 26 @ 7:00 pm - 8:10 pm

ASQ in Concert: Britten Paterson Beethoven

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
April 30
April 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Across the Vast, Eternal Sky – The music of Ola Gjeilo

May 1
May 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Bach’s World

May 1 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 2
May 2 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Penny Quartet: Metamorphosis

May 2 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison & Friends: Pictures

May 3
May 3 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

May 4
May 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 5
May 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

  • There are no events on this day.
May 7
May 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 8
May 8 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mother’s Day at fortyfivedownstairs: “Viola, Viola” and “Brahms and Dances”

May 8 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Melbourne Opera: Bel Canto Opera Spectacular

May 8 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Mozart

May 9
May 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIAZMA – Relaxed Performance

May 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby and Friends Twilight Series – Four-Part Harmony

May 10
May 10 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

  • There are no events on this day.
May 12
May 12 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jacqueline Porter & Dean Sky-Lucas – The Art of French Song

May 12 @ 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Kawai Piano Series – Stefan Cassomenos – Hammerklavier

May 13
May 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 14
May 14 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Musica Viva: Van Diemen’s Band

May 15
May 15 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

GLOW – Jasper Ly and Peter Dumsday

May 16
May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 16 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 17
May 17 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 18
May 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

  • There are no events on this day.
May 21
May 21 @ 12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 22
May 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

May 24
May 24 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 26
May 26 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 28
May 28 @ 12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

May 21
May 21 @ 12:30 pm - 4:50 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

May 22
May 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Australian Boys Choir: Austrian Encounters

  • There are no events on this day.
May 24
May 24 @ 6:00 pm - 10:20 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: Lohengrin

  • There are no events on this day.
May 26
May 26 @ 7:30 pm - 10:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

  • There are no events on this day.
May 28
May 28 @ 12:30 pm - 3:10 pm Recurring

Opera Australia: La Traviata

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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