Rusty Recorders – not so rusty!
Posted: 8th July 2022The Clarence Hall’s Lunch-time Recital Programme is a series of events designed to encourage live music performances in Crickhowell, with an emphasis on accessibility and easy listening.
The series is sponsored by the Clarence Hall for the community. Admission is free but there is a collection for the Clarence Hall Refurbishment Appeal for those who wish to donate.
The most recent performance, on 2 July, saw the first concert by the ensemble, Rusty Recorders. Formed just two years ago during lockdown, their hard work has paid off. Members had typically not played for some decades or had been totally new to the recorder. Members now play not just the descant recorder, but also instruments ranging from the tiny garkleinflötlein down to the large contra bass.
Leader, Caroline Jones is a recorder specialist who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Born in Abergavenny, she returned to the area in 2019 to continue her career of promoting the recorder through performance and teaching.
The lunchtime recital saw Rusty Recorders perform robust renaissance dances by Susato joined by drum and the buzzing sound of the tenor crumhorn; elegant baroque music by Lully and Purcell; traditional Welsh melodies including Suo Gân and to finish, a jazzy piece called Joe’s Jitters composed by Alyson Lewin.
Caroline played Ikaho, an atmospheric bass solo by Australian composer Malcolm Tattersall.
The stars of the concert were undoubtedly the three children who tried their hands at playing the large drum. They were given a loud round of applause!
The appreciative audience approved the announcement that from September, Rusty Recorders will be known as Black Mountains Recorders. There will be a new Rusty group for people who would like to dust off their school recorders and have fun! For more details, contact: carolinejonesrecorders@hotmail.com