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Tonight’s celebration of music professor Roger Marsh’s 60th birthday provided a chance to recognise a long, successful career in music, and was an opportunity to fully appreciate the inspirational teaching that takes place at the University of York. The pieces performed were a combination of Marsh’s own, and works commissioned for tonight’s event, composed by friends and colleagues. The concert was full of the character and innovation that Marsh brings to the music department.
In honour of the occasion, Marsh’s children opened the concert with a rendition of 'Happy Birthday', performed lovingly on piano, violin and cello, establishing the relaxed, appreciative mood that was to follow. Subsequent performers were similarly drawn from all areas of Marsh’s life – both current and past student ensembles such as The 24 and Juice took to the stage, as well as colleagues and friends. This select few only begin to represent the vast number of people affected by his music and teaching.
The first half of the concert consisted of a number of experimental, theatrical compositions, whilst the second focused on a selection from Pierrot Lunaire, a number of poems set to music by Marsh in 2001/2. The variety of music was wonderful, with pieces unpredictably juxtaposed against those which preceded, leaving few opportunities to become disengaged with the music. A particular highlight of the first half was not a soul but ourselves..., a repetitive, yet elaborate vocal piece performed into four microphones by Anna Myatt, Linda Hirst, John Potter and William Brooks. The performance of Pierrot Lunaire resulted in a collaboration between all performers, coming together to celebrate Marsh’s identifiably unique music.
Every performance was given with the character and feeling the music required, keeping those listening and watching (for it was often as much visual as aural) fully absorbed and entertained. Judging by the reactions of the audience, who appeared at times baffled, touched, and occasionally beside themselves with laughter, Marsh’s music and the music it inspires is intended to be heard and felt by all.
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