Strathearn Music Society Review – Tim Kliphuis Trio

Wed 20th November 2024

Violinist Tim Kliphuis and his trio have developed a bit of a cult following within – and beyond – the regular audience of the Strathearn Music Society and on this, their fourth visit, they attracted the largest crowd of the season so far. Neither the weather outside nor the venue (the Assembly Hall of Strathearn Community Campus) could be described as cosy in any sense and yet the warmth of the atmosphere could be felt all around. It seemed that everyone knew what they were in for after the last time (which was, coincidentally, on exactly the same date five years ago) and there was simply no ice to break. Immediacy, intimacy and involvement were guaranteed from the outset.

In truth, although this combo is never short on originality and surprise, their familiar essence is never very far from the surface. So we would be disappointed if the inevitable shade of Stéphane Grapelli didn’t cast its magic over the proceedings, and who would complain of that anyway? Likewise some re-Imaginings of the classics (from Baroque to Romantic) as well as personal and original works with thought-provoking cross-fertilisation between genres and styles are all expected by  familiar listeners and all add to the personal and unique sound of this impeccable ensemble.

Visual art was the binding thread of this evening’s first half, with a selection of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition interwoven with new musical representations of other famous paintings by Klimt (The Kiss), Van Gogh (Starry Night), Hokusai (Great Wave) and Georgia O’Keeffe (Ritz Tower). After the interval the vibe changed to Django and the Hot Club of France for some gypsy jazz favourites, followed by a reworking of Bach’s Third Brandenburg Concerto. Absolutely up-to-date and relevant was the “Water” movement from Tim’s new Suite The Five Elements, with some wintry Vivaldi and optimistic Richard Strauss to conclude a full, varied and stimulating concert.

Tim Kliphuis and his team of Nigel Clark (guitar) and Roy Percy (double bass) bring a wealth of different musical experience as well as their remarkable individual virtuosity together to  create, by their own admission, a never-ending stream of ‘work in progress’.  All three are masterful improvisers as well as original composers in their own right, and have a relaxed and uncanny knack of pooling all these resources to produce music which really does cross boundaries and touch souls.