The tongue is mightier than the blade
A tribute to the horns
28th May 2008
Alice Humphries and Daniel Thorne
After witnessing this concert, one cannot deny the wealth of talent that courses through these two outstanding musicians. Alice Humphries graduated from WAAPA with a Bachelor of Jazz Composition in 2007, winning the Bob Wyllie scholarship with an exceptional final recital. Her partner in crime, Daniel Thorne, graduated the same year with Honours, his core focus of study being centred on the work of Arvo Part.
Under the musical direction of aspiring conductor Alice Humphries herself, the 10-piece orchestra, was faced with some extremely difficult music. They pulled it off to great effect, bringing to life the beautiful still harmonies of C. – an initiative of Mr Thorne, who lead the orchestra on tenor sax. The delicate, sustained melodies were masterfully woven, with seamless interaction between the soprano saxophone and cornet.
Any audience member could not help react to the raw emotion projected through Alice’s Miero Uotti Uutta Kuuta (A Houseless Beggar). One could almost taste the distress as the traditional melody, interpreted with such intensity, was thrown from instrument to instrument in an intrepid musical meditation.
The combination of works in this evening display of new Australian talent exhibited an unbridled passion fused with bold statement, and made for a highly entertaining concert.
- R.E.Smith