“Sweeping, luscious arrangements of classics from the Hollywood Gold Age.“
Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars present Cinematic Sounds, Part One, is an experience that whirls you back in time to The Golden Age of Hollywood. The Classical All Stars are a seven-piece ensemble led by pianist James Pearson and violinist Lizzie Ball, and this show presents arrangements of some of the most epic and glittering film soundtracks of 1930-1950.
The evening began with a sprinkling of famous opening film studio introductions, from MGM to 21st Century Fox. After some polite clapping after the first opening title, the wry commentary from Pearson encouraged a slightly more welcoming approach; the second title received a reaction more befitting its triumphant magnificence. Both his and Ball’s commentaries, balancing both humour and deftly placed factual information about the history of the pieces, wove together the musical programme with flair.
The luscious, rich harmonies of Korngold’s soundtrack for The Adventures of Robin Hood were captured to great effect in Pearson’s arrangement – no mean feat for one of the greatest film scores ever composed. Following soon after was one of the highlights of the performance: the Gone with the Wind main titles, whose unforgettable melody was delivered with verve and joyous abandon.
One of the standout elements of the evening was the variety of mood and emotion created by the musical choices. Jon Shenoy shone in his delivery of the melody of the title theme of Laura, with the saxophonist performing with both precision and freedom, responding with sensitivity to the romantic promise of the notes. The mood of the room completely shifted with the Hitchcock medley, where the use of Sul Ponticello (bowing near the bridge) created a painful, ghostly sound that made the hairs stand on end. A further sound world was created in arrangement of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo, the soundtrack to the tragic conclusion of The Godfather Part III. The aching sorrow of the melody was played with beautiful vulnerability by the ensemble, and when it ended the room was hushed on an in-breath of awe.
Ball, alongside her violin mastery, also demonstrated her singing talents, notably in the charm of her rendition of ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’, from the classic Some Like It Hot. The sensual, playful syncopations were delivered with ease and joy in the golden tones of Ball’s voice, providing a finish with a delightfully light touch. The Classical All Stars took the audience on a cinematic journey through some of the most iconic soundtracks, providing variety and depth in both interpretation and arrangement. I can only imagine that Part Two will be similarly impressive. Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars present Cinematic Sounds – Part Two: Back To the Future will take place on the 13th April, Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.