I was one of the few Maltese at the lunchtime concert at Sala Isouard by nine soloists of the Rotterdam Ensemble late last month.

These young musicians presented four works which were new to Malta: La Cheminee Du Roi Rene by Darius Milhaud, Etre Ou Ne Pas Etre by Henri Tomasi, Trois Piece Breves by Jacques Ibert and Quintet by Jean Cras.

The soloists impressed with their fine renditions, producing clean, clear sounds that resonated in the venue, which could have accommodated a bigger audience (it is still a mystery why the Maltese keep away from serious music even when entrance is free and the musicians involved are as fine as the ones in the Rotterdam Ensemble).

Up first was Milhaud’s piece, composed in 1941 and interpreted by flute (Judith Kuipers) oboe (Arthur Klaassens) clarinet (Sergio Hamerslag), bassoon (Nadine van de Merwe) and horn (Erik Rozendon).

King Rene reigned in Provence in the 15th century and the music was intended to reflect medieval music. It was written as the soundtrack to a film, so the short movements illustrate different situations.

However, being very short, they may seem to form just one movement .The work starts with a short but impressive Cortege followed by a beautiful Aubade representing the calm atmosphere of dawn.

The jongleurs soon start their games, followed by dancing represented by Maousinglade (a short sarabande beautifully played by the oboe) and a jousting session on the River Arc (Joutes sur l’Arc).

This particular movement best reflected the atmosphere of music of days gone by, replete with ornamentations and the use of intervals considered dissonant at the time. This work came to an end when evening fell (Madrigal Nocturne) after a hunting session in the local woods (Chasse a` Valabre).

Etre ou ne pas Etre (To be or not to be) was composed by French composer Tomasi (1901-1974). The work, composed in 1963, features the trombone played with conviction by Konstantin Koev and the atmosphere it creates is one of brooding resentment. Of all the works presented it was the darkest and most remote. However, it undoubtedly showed the technical prowess of the musicians, especially the trombonist.

A different kettle of fish was Quintet, a multi-movement tonal work which recalled the craving for wide open spaces inspired by the sea. The composer, Cras, was an admiral in the French navy, but his love for music exceeded his love for the sea.

It was beautifully played by flute, harp (Jaike Bakker) violin (Benjamin Chavrier), viola (Adriaan Breunis) and cello (Clothilde Lacdoix), who certainly touched the hearts of the audience judging by the warm applause for the young but very proficient soloists of the Rotterdam Ensemble.

Trois Pieces Breves for wind quintet featured the same musicians who had presented the first work of the chamber concert. A graceful and happy work, it began with an Allegro, reflecting deep contrasts between light and dark.

The second part was a beautiful Andante shared by the flute and the clarinet, with the other three instruments making a short statement at its end. The third movement started slowly but the mood became festive when the horn, bassoon and later the clarinet brought the work and concert to a happy ending.

This was the fourth visit of the Rotterdam Ensemble, brought over by Karl Fiorini to participate in the festival. Thanks are in order.