Tune Up Podcast 2007-2008: Episode 8: Aye, An Affirmation of Martyn Bennett




Tune Up Podcast show

Summary: Mr McFall's Chamber is a flexible ensemble of mostly classical players for whom the lure of other musical styles has proved irresistible. They are well known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, programming classical and contemporary composers alongside rock, tango, klezmer and jazz. This effortless blurring of music's pigeonholes makes for an ideal partnership with gifted composer and multi-instrumentalist Fraser Fifield, who successfully combines traditional music with Scottish folk and jazz. Joining the musicians are percussionists Tom Bancroft and James Mackintosh. Together they perform a programme celebrating the legacy of the late lamented Martyn Bennett, who was one of Scotland's most feted young musicians for his bold musical synthesis of traditional tunes, dance music and classical sensibility. The programme highlights Bennett's profound understanding of the Scottish folk tradition, featuring well known Bennett works e.g Cuillin Music alongside Piece for String Quartet, Percussion and Scottish Small Pipes in C, an early work thought to have been lost until a copy turned up in the Arts Council's files. The Scottish flavour is further enhanced with music by Fraser Fifield and a reworking of Eddie Maguire's Nocturnes. A Latin – American component in the typical McFall's style completes the programme including music by Alvares and Piazzolla.