Cuillin Sound, Central Hall, Darlington

ALMOST all the music in this recital for Darlington Music Society was specially arranged for Cuillin Sound’s particular combination of instruments with Dana Morgan on various flutes, Sarah Watts on clarinets and Laurence Perkins, who was responsible for many of those arrangements, on bassoon.

They began with J S Bach’s Trio Sonata, BWV 1039, whose four contrasting movements showed a nicely integrated ensemble with instruments interweaving very effectively.

Next was Beethoven’s Variations on Là ci darem la mano from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, rearranged for flute, clarinet and bassoon, with Beethoven including every possible combination for three instruments with each variation a delight.

Elgar’s brief lullaby, In Hammersbach from his Three Bavarian Dances, was followed by an additional piece, The Day Dawns, based on two Shetland Songs, the first evoking dark winter nights and the second altogether chirpier.

After the break, Heart of the Hebrides was accompanied by a slide show with music by Rebecca Mackay and photographs by Mike Bell portraying the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Raasay and Skye.

In contrast, Gerald Busby’s Serenade, specially written for Cuillin Sound, was a very effective musical picture of city life in Manhattan.

Perkins’ arrangement of Rossini’s aria Una voce poco fa featured Watts’ bass clarinet to great effect with a beautiful mellow sound and the recital ended with his arrangement of four contrasting traditional Scottish songs.

The next concert on February 14 will feature pianist Olga Stezhko. Details at http//dms.btck.co.uk or 01325 467163.

Peter Bevan