By Robin McKee Williams
On Thursday, July 22, the Carmel Bach Festival presented at Sunset Center an evening of music devoted to George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). Under the direction of Andrew Arthur, the evening’s concert showcased superb instrumentalists and some fine ensemble playing by members of the Festival Orchestra.
In addition to conducting the orchestra, Arthur also gave us some brilliant keyboard performances throughout the evening. In the opening work, the Concerto for Organ in G Minor, Op. 4, No.1, HWV 289, Arthur was masterful in melding the organ’s solos into the complex orchestral textures. His dual techniques of conducting and playing organ were visually impressive, and his two quite separate skills enhanced the performance of the concerto considerably. While sustaining long notes on the organ, Arthur guided the Festival Orchestra in synchronizing the “endless melodies” that were the theme of the program. A master of details, Arthur’s articulation was clear, his ornamentation stylish, and his phrasing delightful as he repeatedly linked musical phrases from organ to orchestra.
