News Richard Leveridge

Riot Ensemble review – adroitly realising Dutilleux's characteristic finesse 

School of Music, Cardiff Shape-shifting ensemble bring precision to new music by Sierra, Hesketh, Roe, Serrano and Holloway-Nahum Riot Ensemble is a small but select shape-shifting group, dedicated to new music, on this occasion fielding a quartet of players: oboe, harpsichord, double bass and percussion. Fans of Dutilleux will recognise the instrumentation of Les Citations, originally conceived to honour Peter Pears, and named for its quotations from Britten’s Peter Grimes and from Jehan Alain, in turn quoting Renaissance composer Janequin. Dutilleux’s characteristic finesse was realised with adroitness by the Rioters, notably in the expressive oboe-playing of Philip Haworth. Harpsichordist Gorska Isphording delivered the cadenza-like flourish of the opening of the second movement with bravura flair, Enno Senft’s bass colouring was beautifully judged, with James Leveridge bringing precision to the percussion role. Continue reading...