Duo Tutti – devizine.com

A Lunchtime Amuse-Bouche

by Andy Fawthrop

Devizes Arts Festival’s programme continued on Thursday afternoon with a lunchtime classical concert in the beautiful surroundings of the Assembly Hall in the Town Hall. Coming on a market day, it was no surprise that town was busy, and plenty of people used the opportunity to make their way to this splendid venue.

Duo Tutti is made up of Ruth Molins (flutes) and Alex Wilson (piano). They are inspired by old and new music, creating sound worlds you might not expect to hear from a flute/ piano duo. Ruth plays a standard flute, alto flute, bass flute and the piccolo, accompanied by Alex’s piano.

Their programme was an interesting and eclectic mix of items, much of it from composers I’d not heard of before, but no the less enjoyable for that.

We started with the Sonata in F from Anna Amalia of Prussia (1723 -87). This lady I was surprised to discover was the sister of Frederick The Great. This piece in three movements, although simple in sound and structure, was bright, bouncy and just the thing to get started with. There followed three very contrasting pieces from contemporary composers: John Rutter’s Suite Antique (in six short movements), Ruth’s own piece (Fuse for Bass Flute & Piano) and Elena Kats-Chernin’s Eliza’s Aria for Piccolo. Each piece was delivered with freshness and confidence by the duo.

Keeping with the contemporary theme, we moved on to Arthur Butterworth’s Ukko, featuring the alto flute, and a piece that was slightly deeper and fuller, offering a darker, slower and slightly more discordant feeling throughout. Then on to two “miniatures” from Constance Warren, the first being slow and thoughtful, and the second very short piece being much livelier.

Finally, slightly back in time to Jules Mouquet (1867 – 1946) for La Flute De Pan, a work in three short movements. The first piece was sparkling, with many flourishes. And, following the slower, quieter middle passage, the final section moved from a gentle fade-out, to another frothy champagne ending.

Throughout the concert the flutes were always to the fore, carrying the main themes, with the piano playing more of a supportive, sympathetic accompanying role. But the combination worked splendidly, and provided a diverse and entertaining lunchtime concert. Bravo!

You can find out more about Duo Tutti at www.duotutti.com/

The Devizes Arts Festival is moving towards its end now, but there are still several events with tickets available, until Sunday 16^th June at various venues around the town. Tickets can be booked at Devizes Books or online at www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk