Peter Donohoe: Mozart Cycle - Birmingham Conservatoire

As an excuse to give the new 57 billion pound conservatoire a glance I went to my first strictly piano recital. Now this wasn't some elementary school performance but a concert from an exceptionally talented pianist, more renowned for his 20th century renditions than the "classics." As he described it though, performing a Mozart cycle is like conquering his Everest and so we were given witness to a superb show. I don't know enough (or nearly anything) about this musical scene to properly review it but I was engaged by the music alone as it wound through the three cycles of the first act. In the second half, with a view to his hands it was amazing to see the work that goes into such music. He even returned for a quick encore when it was all said and done. Who knew two hours could pass with just one instrument? As for the conservatoire, it looked shiny and new but not particularly fancy, but the sound was spot on.

The Weather Station - Hare & Hounds

Red River Dialect had the makings of an interesting band - a six piece, with violin - but the music was just not that compelling. The songs were long but didn’t go much of anywhere and were very calm but not sweet. A full 45 minutes was more than plenty. 

Tamara introduced herself and the Weather Station, starting with a couple of older songs alongside her three male counterparts. Then they dug into the latest album which brought the show to life for me. Despite recovering from a cold so admittedly not being able to sing quite as she wanted to her delicate voice was still lovely, as showcased on a few stripped back songs mid set - one acoustic, one solo, and another with minimal bass accompaniment. Without even a wry smile she explained that “I’m Canadian so I love Neil Young” and how she mined for things to worry about, rather than a heart of gold. She also told a story about the dungeon hotel they’d been stuck in the night before, getting only some of it out before her band mates broke into hysterics and she could barely finish the story herself for laughter. Claiming that she’d written quiet songs for years but now felt the things she had to say needed to be said louder they rocked out a little more before closing with new single and favourite Thirty. This was before an awkward, no side stage encore call, where she called it a charade and beckoned her band back for Tape encore. Altogether it was a lovely show, and I’m glad her voice had returned to be able to perform it. 

January 31, 2018 - Hare & Hounds