Colin Druce's tour de force powers Beethoven celebration in Kenilworth
Clive Peacock reviews Warwick and Kenilworth Choral Society at St John's Church, Kenilworth
...However, it was Colin Druce who took charge of the first twenty minutes of Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia, leading determinedly from the piano, something Beethoven allegedly did not do at the first performance; the composer is known to have improvised at the 1808 première. Druce gave a tour de force performance, sticking to the score. With flute, bassoon and clarinet wind section support; three cello desks distinguishing themselves, plus strong soprano delivery from Isabella Gage and more mellow tones from alto Emma Stannard, this Fantasia, with its hints of ‘Ode to Joy’, was well received as the hors d’oeuvre before the main course.
