Colin Currie Quartet shows the infinite possibilities of percussion band
It is quite an extraordinary experience to enjoy a percussion performance. One may wonder, what expectation can I find in music devoid of traditional melody? Colin Currie Quartet offers a compelling answer by unveiling their boundless possibilities with a percussion ensemble of four. They were formed in 2018 by Colin Currie, including Owen Gunnell, Adrian Spillett, and Sam Walton, to showcase the variety of percussion repertoire.
The programme that night featured the composition of US composer Andy Akiho, Steve Reich and the world premiere of Stone Fruit composed by Freya Waley-Cohen. This piece is arranged through a number of special instruments, such as tuned teacups played with chopsticks, which paints picturesque soundscapes that stretched our imaginations. It is a testament to the Quartet’s capability to curate most delicate and tender sounds, proving that intricacy and nuance is nothing uncommon within the realm of percussion.
For those headbangers craving something heavier, Canons like Seven Pillars and Nascent Forms delivers an electrifying mix of rock, heavy metal, and even psychedelia. While the intense overtones express a sense of ethereal, strong kettledrums evoked a layer of wildness, sending pluses racing and showing great ecstasy, passion and wildness no inferior to real rock and metal. They are indeed the master of manoeuvring diverse sounds.
The Mallet Quartet written by Steve Reich conjures images of a nocturnal adventure, reminiscent of a video game soundtrack, further highlighting the Quartet’s extraordinary range. The performance is so full-bodied that my companion refuses to believe it is entirely acoustic, suspecting the aid of pre-recorded tracks—again another testament to the Quartet’s unparalleled skill.
The precision of the four musicians were astounding. Without in-ear monitors or click tracks, they moved as one, their rhythms ingrained in their bodies and minds. The complexity of their performance, sometimes requiring the use of multiple mallets in one hand, displays sheer mastery. Sometimes the choreography requires them to show their backs to the audience, which is totally understandable as they have to ensure their synergy. Remarkable harmony! The acoustics of Wigmore Hall also plays a pivotal role, providing best support for the band to produce the clearest sound with a richness in overtones that CD recordings can scarcely be compared of.