Arundo Clarinet Quartet

The Arundo Clarinet Quartet, for those of you who don’t know, are named after the Arundo plant, a member of the grass family, from which wind instrument reeds are fashioned, therefore highly appropriate. The group, all of whom are professional musicians, have been playing together for over 25 years which is apparent from their immaculate timing, and the practised ease of their performance that speaks of familiarity and many hours of rehearsal. The performance I attended was held on 16th November 2019 at the Eco Hub in Gamlingay, a concert in aid of repairs to the local church roof. The hall was near capacity and the audience was quite varied in age. The show was in two parts the first a set concert style selection of tunes from the classical “ The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel and the “Oboe Quartet”[ 1st Movement] by Mozart to a more modern Gershwin medley and even the theme from the BBC Radio programme “Listen with Mother”. I have to say that as a more pop/rock oriented music fan I had wondered if I would know any of the selection. As it turned out I had no need for concern as I recognised every tune with the exception of a couple of pieces written especially for the quartet, however as these were in the style of Latin American dance rhythms the format was familiar to me. The audience were very appreciative of this first half and a standing ovation was given. At the start of the evening, attendees were asked to pick a favourite tune from a quite extensive list of pieces. A selection of these requests would form the second half of the performance, which the quartet described as background music and indicated that the audience were at liberty to chat through this part of the evening should they so wish. However, I’m not sure a lot of chatting went on as the familiar tunes held the attention of all who were there. The selection included “Turkey in the Straw” [a bit of Americana that if you don’t know the title would still be very familiar I’m sure], “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin, a Beatles medley “Yesterday/When I’m 64”, “ A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square”, and many other popular melodies. Once again an ovation ensued and I am sure that everyone there went home humming.

The Arundo Clarinet Quartet demonstrated consummate musicianship during their recital in the first half of the evening. They then applied their virtuosity to a wide range of music from popular jazz to musicals, which the audience were able to request from the quartet’s extensive playlist. They were professionally turned out in smart, coordinated outfits. Altogether a most enjoyable evening.