Newbury musicians’ Road to Mozart raises superb sum of £1,367 for Christian Aid

THE ROAD TO MOZART Matthew Prior and Steve Bowey
at St John's Church, Newbury
on Sunday September 22

Review by Carolyn Greenwood

With a warm air of anticipation, a capacity audience at St John's Church welcomed two musicians who were to be our guides on this ‘Road to Mozart’: Matthew Prior, a former pupil at St Bart's, Newbury who has recently started his third year studying Maths at Durham University and Steve Bowey, a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, is well-known as an organ recitalist, accompanist and teacher of piano and organ in the area..

In the capable hands of these musicians we were to have a scintillating afternoon's entertainment as they guided us, through excellent programme notes, on some of the aspects of other composers' music which may have influenced Mozart's compositional directions.

Descant recorder and piano came together to start the proceedings in an arraangement of part of a trio sonata by Handel, in short lively dance movements.

The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - familiar to many of the listeners - was played as a piano duet at high speed, which left us almost breathless, and very admiring of the two players

A Fantasia by Telemann arranged for treble recorder included lively dance sections and the performance by Matthew was well-highlighted by the excellent accoustic of St John's.

In Steve's hands the Four Pieces for Musical Clock by Haydn were fascinating to listen to - such "delightful miniatures" were apparently part of a unique musical tradition.

There was a particular stir of interest in Mozart's Horn Concerto no. 3, with Matthew’s beautiful sounds on the horn and Steve's piano accompaniment. Certain sections were obviously recognisable by members of the audience, and it was a privilege for those listening and watching to be close to such an instrument and to appreciate the beautiful sounds which Matthew could achieve.

Handel's Air and Variations on The Harmonious Blacksmith arranged for piano and descent recorder - also well-recognised - brought the two players together again as a finale.

So much wonderful music - all within an hour! This was truly a treat for all of us listening, whose response to every item was very enthusiastic and appreciiative of such a delightful journey.

As has been announced, a superb sum of £1,367 was donated in a retiring collection for Christian Aid.

The local fund-raising committee are very grateful for the efforts of Matthew and Steve.