Harp and Oboe Recital

Stilbaaiers attending the Stilbaai Music Society concert on Thursday evening 21 October 2010 were treated to a unique musical experience at a recital given by two worthy artists, namely Kobie du Pessis (harp) and Thekla von Dombois (oboe). I say unique because it is very seldom that one is able to actually watch – as well as listen to – a harpist from close-up. For who, in their right mind, would want to travel the world with a harp in their luggage! Thank goodness Kobie did. She entertained us, not only with fine playing, but by giving us the opportunity of watching her hands as they swept across the strings, caressing them, stroking them and plucking them as required by the music.
For most of the programme Kobie was joined by Thekla who produced the haunting sound so characteristic of a well played oboe. It was clear that their ensemble playing was born of a symbiotic understanding of the timbre of each instrument giving rise to a pleasurable evening of chamber music. Such was the playing that I wished we were seated in an intimate rococo-style and beautifully appointed salon in an Italian nobleman’s palace! This feeling was highlighted by Part I of the programme that comprised mainly entertaining music from the Baroque era. Part II, after the interval, was made up of mostly lively music from the twentieth century.
The highlight of the evening for me was a piece by the French musician Bernard Andres (1941-) entitled Algues – 7 Pièces pour Houtbois et Harpe (algues: seaweed washed up on shore). Before it started the audience was asked not to applaud until the end of the work and what a difference that made! Each of the seven pieces had its own nostalgic character and the total silence in the hall between the pieces contributed greatly to the emotional impact of the music.
Both artists deserve our congratulations for providing a memorable evening of music. Both instruments are extremely difficult to play well and it is to the credit of our guests that they made it look so easy. The Music Society also deserves our congratulations for mounting the recital.

John Stonier