Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley's Recital: A Sonic Tapestry of Emotion and Humour
Horn-player Ben Goldscheider and pianist Richard Uttley delivered a captivating lunchtime recital, weaving together old and new in a richly satisfying sonic tapestry. Their programme was a masterful blend of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems, each piece showcasing the duo's infinite musical sensibilities.
Their rendition of Schumann's Three Fantasiestücke, Op 73, proved that even the most unconventional instruments can possess a certain lyrical beauty. Goldscheider's horn sang with a full-bodied expressiveness, complemented by Uttley's nuanced piano accompaniment. This synergy was evident throughout the performance, as if each musician was attuned to the other's every nuance.
The duo then turned to Simon Holt's The Bell, a work written specifically for them in 2022. The piece's arresting opening – with its spiky articulation and bell-like clarity – set the tone for a thrilling musical dialogue between horn and piano. As the music unfolded, Goldscheider's horn and Uttley's piano traded phrases in a sparkling conversation that was both witty and affecting.
Oliver Leith's Eeyore offered a more lighthearted moment, with its soulful donkey-braying providing a wickedly affectionate send-up of the titular character. The work's four sections were expertly woven together, showcasing Goldscheider and Uttley's musical chemistry.
The programme also featured two works by lesser-known composers: Scriabin's Romance for Horn and Piano, a tantalizing glimpse into the Russian master's early career, and Esa-Pekka Salonen's Horn Music 1, which showcased the composer's deep affection for his instrument. The latter piece boasted a dynamic interpretation, with Goldscheider's extended horn solo adding an extra layer of flair.
However, it was Mahler's Urlicht – "Primordial Light" – that proved to be the emotional centrepoint of the recital. With its expressive line and lambent glow, this song unfolded like a poem, capturing the essence of Mahler's earliest work. Goldscheider's playing possessed a magic all his own, conjuring up a sense of primeval light that was nothing short of mesmerising.
Throughout their performance, Goldscheider and Uttley demonstrated a deep musical understanding, with each piece serving as a testament to their partnership. Their recital was a sonic tapestry of emotion and humour, one that would linger in the listener's mind long after the final note had faded away.
Horn-player Ben Goldscheider and pianist Richard Uttley delivered a captivating lunchtime recital, weaving together old and new in a richly satisfying sonic tapestry. Their programme was a masterful blend of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems, each piece showcasing the duo's infinite musical sensibilities.
Their rendition of Schumann's Three Fantasiestücke, Op 73, proved that even the most unconventional instruments can possess a certain lyrical beauty. Goldscheider's horn sang with a full-bodied expressiveness, complemented by Uttley's nuanced piano accompaniment. This synergy was evident throughout the performance, as if each musician was attuned to the other's every nuance.
The duo then turned to Simon Holt's The Bell, a work written specifically for them in 2022. The piece's arresting opening – with its spiky articulation and bell-like clarity – set the tone for a thrilling musical dialogue between horn and piano. As the music unfolded, Goldscheider's horn and Uttley's piano traded phrases in a sparkling conversation that was both witty and affecting.
Oliver Leith's Eeyore offered a more lighthearted moment, with its soulful donkey-braying providing a wickedly affectionate send-up of the titular character. The work's four sections were expertly woven together, showcasing Goldscheider and Uttley's musical chemistry.
The programme also featured two works by lesser-known composers: Scriabin's Romance for Horn and Piano, a tantalizing glimpse into the Russian master's early career, and Esa-Pekka Salonen's Horn Music 1, which showcased the composer's deep affection for his instrument. The latter piece boasted a dynamic interpretation, with Goldscheider's extended horn solo adding an extra layer of flair.
However, it was Mahler's Urlicht – "Primordial Light" – that proved to be the emotional centrepoint of the recital. With its expressive line and lambent glow, this song unfolded like a poem, capturing the essence of Mahler's earliest work. Goldscheider's playing possessed a magic all his own, conjuring up a sense of primeval light that was nothing short of mesmerising.
Throughout their performance, Goldscheider and Uttley demonstrated a deep musical understanding, with each piece serving as a testament to their partnership. Their recital was a sonic tapestry of emotion and humour, one that would linger in the listener's mind long after the final note had faded away.
Ben & Richard are absolute perfection! their chemistry on stage is like something out of a dream 
they totally brought the house down with that Mahler piece 
"Primordial Light" gave me chills every time! and Simon Holt's The Bell was SO cute 
I love how they wove all those different styles together, it was like a masterclass in musical storytelling 
the way Goldscheider's horn sang with that Schumann piece was like butter for my soul 
can we please get them to tour again ASAP? 
gotta give props to the duo for weaving that sonic tapestry so tight, every piece complemented each other like they were meant to be there 
. And Mahler's Urlicht? Who knew horn music could be so emotive?! Goldscheider's playing brought tears to my eyes (in a good way, obvs). The chemistry between the two musicians was undeniable – it's clear they're meant to be playing together! 
Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley are like two peas in a pod on instruments – they just vibe with each other so well. The mix of old and new stuff kept me engaged throughout the whole thing, even when things got a bit too serious for my taste 
I mean, Mahler's Urlicht was lovely and all, but it felt like a 10-minute poem recital instead of a musical piece 
Overall, though, they did an awesome job of showcasing their skills and making me feel all the feels 
! And Richard Uttley's piano playing was so good too 
, they have such a great chemistry 
, and that last piece by Esa-Pekka Salonen... wow! I loved the part where Goldscheider had that big solo 
. Anyway, it sounds like an incredible recital 
it was like they were having a conversation with the audience through their instruments, you know? the way they blended old and new, familiar and lesser-known gems, created this incredible sonic tapestry that just drew me in. 
i loved how they played Mahler's Urlicht - it was like they were conjuring up this primordial light or something 
. anyway, if you haven't checked out Ben and Richard yet, do! you won't regret it 
. What I love about these guys is how they balance old & new music, it's so cool! They also had this funny piece called Eeyore that made me laugh 
. We need to be listening to each other, finding common ground, and working together towards a brighter future.
. We should be able to laugh at ourselves, find the absurdity in things, and not take ourselves too seriously.
- it showed us that when we come together with different voices and perspectives, amazing things can happen 
I loved how they showcased each other's unique talents - Ben's horn sounded AMAZING 
That piece was like nothing I've ever heard before... it was like Ben was conjuring up this primeval light just with his horn 
. What's the point? It's not like it's going to solve world hunger or anything 
. And don't even get me started on these "lesser-known gems" they played... I mean, who knew there were so many obscure composers out there just waiting to be rediscovered 
. Give me something with a little more substance, like AI-generated music or something 
. At least that's new and innovative 
.
Overall, I think they really outdid themselves and I'm still listening to the recital on repeat 
he and richard uttley are meant to be together on stage they have this crazy chemistry that just makes you wanna listen more and more 
I'm not saying it was bad or anything, but honestly it just didn't blow me away 
but have you seen his Instagram? it's like he's trying too hard to be quirky 
this recital feels so stuck in the past 
. and that eeseppe salonen piece? 
& richard's piano playing is like butter 4 ur ears 
the way they traded phrases in "The Bell" piece had me grinnin from ear 2 ear 
anyways, just had 2 say if u haven't checked out this recital yet, U NEED 2