A recital that seamlessly blended old and new, horn player Ben Goldscheider and pianist Richard Uttley delivered a sonorous and richly satisfying performance at lunchtime. Their pairing proved fortuitous, each artist attuned to the other's musical sensibilities, and virtuosic in equal measure.
The concert opened with Schumann's Three Fantasiestücke, Op 73, an unusual choice for horn, but one that was aptly suited by Goldscheider's lyrical playing. The full Romanticism of Schumann shone through, showcasing the duo's infinite musical understanding and precision.
Simon Holt's The Bell, written specifically for this duo in 2022, made a striking impression with its opening spikiness and subsequent exchanges between the instruments. The contrast between Goldscheider's horn and Uttley's piano was marked, particularly with the bell-like sounds on top of the keyboard creating an evocative foil to the horn.
Oliver Leith's Eeyore, another work originally premiered by Goldscheider and Uttley, demonstrated the duo's knack for humour. The melancholic donkey braying took centre stage, rendered with affectionate mocking that sustained the musical argument over four sections.
The setlist also included Scriabin's Romance for Horn and Piano, an early work full of passion and conviction, albeit tantalisingly brief. Esa-Pekka Salonen's Horn Music 1 delivered a dynamic interpretation, punctuated by Goldscheider's extended horn solo which brought added flair.
But the true showstopper was Mahler's Urlicht – or "Primordial Light" as it translates to English. A sly reference to Mahler's song-series Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy's Magic Horn), Goldscheider's performance unfolded with expressive line and a lambent glow, moving the audience deeply.
Throughout their concert, Goldscheider and Uttley demonstrated an unimpeachable musical partnership that brought out the best in each other. Their recital was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, turning disparate works into a cohesive whole that resonated with awe-inspiring effect.
The concert opened with Schumann's Three Fantasiestücke, Op 73, an unusual choice for horn, but one that was aptly suited by Goldscheider's lyrical playing. The full Romanticism of Schumann shone through, showcasing the duo's infinite musical understanding and precision.
Simon Holt's The Bell, written specifically for this duo in 2022, made a striking impression with its opening spikiness and subsequent exchanges between the instruments. The contrast between Goldscheider's horn and Uttley's piano was marked, particularly with the bell-like sounds on top of the keyboard creating an evocative foil to the horn.
Oliver Leith's Eeyore, another work originally premiered by Goldscheider and Uttley, demonstrated the duo's knack for humour. The melancholic donkey braying took centre stage, rendered with affectionate mocking that sustained the musical argument over four sections.
The setlist also included Scriabin's Romance for Horn and Piano, an early work full of passion and conviction, albeit tantalisingly brief. Esa-Pekka Salonen's Horn Music 1 delivered a dynamic interpretation, punctuated by Goldscheider's extended horn solo which brought added flair.
But the true showstopper was Mahler's Urlicht – or "Primordial Light" as it translates to English. A sly reference to Mahler's song-series Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy's Magic Horn), Goldscheider's performance unfolded with expressive line and a lambent glow, moving the audience deeply.
Throughout their concert, Goldscheider and Uttley demonstrated an unimpeachable musical partnership that brought out the best in each other. Their recital was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, turning disparate works into a cohesive whole that resonated with awe-inspiring effect.
! they got that magic chemistry where they just vibe off each other, like they're speaking the same language musically 
. i loved how they mixed old & new stuff, it was like a beautiful blend of nostalgia and innovation 
. Mahler's Urlicht tho, was that a bold move by Goldscheider? took some serious guts to go all in on that one 
! anyway, can't wait to see what they do next 
this recital is pure magic, the way Goldscheider and Uttley worked together like two peas in a pod is mind-blowing 
goldscheider's playing has this dreamy quality to it, it's like he's conjuring up these ethereal sounds out of thin air 
what a privilege to witness such artistry in action 
and that Mahler piece was pure perfection - Goldscheider just transported me to another world with his expressive playing. I'm so grateful for musicians like these who can bring people together through their passion and talent 
. Don't get me wrong, Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley sound like they're really vibing together on stage, but is it really necessary for a concert? Like, can't we just stick to the usual guitar or violin stuff? 
And what's with all these classical pieces being performed live? Don't they know that's just so... old school? 
and I'm still reeling from the experience. What really stood out to me was how well they blended old and new, like you said - it was seamless! And their chemistry on stage is undeniable 
. Schumann's music was so beautifully executed, and that horn piece by Simon Holt? Mind blown 
. The way they worked together as a team, bringing out the best in each other... it's truly inspiring 
. How do you think more artists can achieve that kind of magic? 
I mean don't get me wrong, it's nice to see musicians working together and all that jazz. But seriously, can't we just have some new music instead of playing old stuff over and over? Like, I know the Scriabin piece was early but c'mon, it felt like they were just checking off their classical bucket list. 
. overall, it sounds like goldscheider and uttley are a solid duo but i need more info on why they chose those specific pieces 
, and Richard Uttley's piano skills are on point too 
. I loved how the contrast between their instruments created this amazing foil effect 
. And that final piece, Mahler's Urlicht? Absolutely breathtaking 
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. And the pianist, Richard Uttley, is just as talented - their chemistry on stage is undeniable 
. But what really stood out to me was Mahler's Urlicht - Goldscheider's solo was pure magic 
[link to video]
, and simon holt's "the bell" is actually pretty lit 
, especially with that piano-horn combo. but let's be real, mahler's urlicht was the star of the show... that lambent glow though 
it gave me all the feels 
this recital was like a breath of fresh air! i loved how Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley just clicked 
it's amazing how they managed to blend old and new pieces together seamlessly. i'm not usually into classical music but this duo made me wanna listen more 
The Mahler piece, Urlicht, was just incredible - Goldscheider's performance was so expressive and emotive, it brought chills down my spine. It's a testament to how great collaborations can be when both artists are on the same page musically. Can't wait to hear more from this duo! 
anyway im loving the way Goldscheider and Uttley played Mahler's Urlicht - that horn solo tho was something else 
. We need to find those people who complement our strengths and weaknesses, just like Goldscheider and Uttley did, and learn to appreciate their unique contributions 
just heard about how climate change is causing a mass extinction event among coral reefs... 30% of the world's coral species are already extinct and it's only going to get worse 
. They even threw in some Simon Holt and Oliver Leith stuff that had me giggling - their Eeyore piece is hilarious! 