BUDE Music Society held its Summer Concert in the grounds of ‘Trelawne’ in Whitstone in a marquee kindly provided by Nick Furse of Tamar Milling, writes David Robinson.

Although it had rained on St Swithun’s Day on July 15, on the day after the skies were sunny and there was no wind.

How lucky that was because the flute and guitar could be heard and admired by the large audience who gave a warm welcome to Ruth Corney (flute) and Sam Cave (Guitar), both of whom grew up in Bude before leaving for university and their careers as performers and teachers in London.

Their ambitious programme opened with a suite by Jacques Hotteterre; seven movements in E minor, which all had sensitive balance and responsive phrasing, marked by beautiful ornaments in long expressive phrases. However it was difficult to maintain interest at times due to similar tempi and dynamics and it was with some relief that the final dance was in the bright E major key!

The second piece was the Allegro Moderato from Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata with the piano part skillfully arranged for guitar by Sam Cave. This worked well all the way through; the various changes of octave were totally acceptable and the rhythmic impetus of the accompaniment drew a dazzling response from the flute as the memorable semiquaver figure passed from instrument to instrument. This was ‘duo’ playing at its best. Ruth’s arrangement of ‘With Plaintive Note’ from Handel’s oratorio ’Samson’, was equally effective and it is to be hoped that similar arrangements from the Baroque and Classical eras certainly could be introduced into their repertoire.

The Serenade Opus 99 by Diabelli opened the second half. The only pieces I know by Diabelli are some childrens’ duets and the famous theme used to such magnificent effect by Beethoven; so it was exciting to hear the opening Recitativo which had real drama and various surprises which drew the best from both players. The following Menuetto and Trio was more traditional with elegant playing, as in the opening Suite of pieces.

The ‘Histoire du Tango’ by Piazzolla was a triumph with underlining rhythmic interest in all four pieces; we were all so impressed with the technical brilliance of both players and their responsive duo playing.

We wish them well as Mr and Mrs Cave, and as their careers develop I hope they will be bold and extend their repertoire with new arrangements and even their own compositions.