Jonny Greenwood with the London Sinfonietta :: Wessex Scene Online

Jonny Greenwood with the London Sinfonietta

31st October 2005
Tim Woodall

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Apr 06 - Karmakops live at Southampton Joiners
Oct 08 - Radiohead, London Victoria Park
Dec 02 - Sinfonietta travel the county
Nov 05 - KT Tunstall
Dec 05 - Lizz Wright Live at Turner Sims Concert Hall

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Royal Festival Hall London
March 2005

It was certainly an eclectic audience that witnessed this collaboration between the lead guitarist of one of the world’s most successful bands, Radiohead, and an orchestra that specialises in contemporary classical music. The latter is usually regarded as ‘unglamorous’ genre that struggles to bring in audiences. Thus it was evident that many of the seats in a packed Festival Hall were taken by die hard Radiohead fans.

Alongside being a key member of Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood has pursued a sideline in composing contemporary classical music. This was rewarded by Greenwood being appointed composer-in-residence for the BBC Concert Orchestra last year.

This concert was part of the South Bank Centre’s Ether Festival 2005 and featured two of Greenwood’s pieces. It also featured music by Dutilleux, Penderecki, Ligeti and Mohammed Abdul-Wahab. Whether the great variety of musical styles could result in a cogent performance, and indeed a captivated audience, was the question on everyone’s lips.

The concert opened with Ligeti’s ‘Ramifications’, which was exquisitely played by the London Sinfonietta’s string section. The ephemeral and delicate pulse of the carefully crafted dissonant music created quite an atmosphere in the hall, and set the tone for an excellent first half. There was fidgeting from some Radiohead fans, unused to the format of a classical performance. Most of the audience seemed captivated by both the a-tonal sounds of Penderecki and the luscious eastern texture created by the Arab Orchestra of Nazareth, who were sharing the stage with the London Sinfonietta Orchestra.

Greenwood’s compositions were musically intriguing works, especially the successful use of a half de-tuned piano in ‘Piano for Children’. They were performed with commitment by the London Sinfonietta who were obviously dedicated to all the music in the performance.

The climax of the concert arrived when Thom Yorke, Radiohead’s lead singer, appeared on stage to an unsurprisingly rock star welcome. He performed two of Radiohead’s songs with all participants. It was at this moment that the eclectic mix of musicians were stitched together and brought the feel of a coherent musical occasion both on stage and in the audience. Yorke’s and Lubna Salame’s voices soared to create a shimmering and ecstatic pulse of energy.

Congratulations to the London Sinfonietta, and indeed to Greenwood for continued dedication to new music and new ideas. This concert may have confused and irritated those who came merely to see Yorke, and not this rich musical tapestry. However it will have delighted those like myself, who relish new musical experiences.