Pure entertainment and the spirit of Myra Hess bring World War II concert series vividly to life.

Adelaide Festival Theatre

May 24, 2014

Although some may describe the British pianist Dame Myra Hess as a great interpreter of the German Romantics, for many more the name will always be linked to the series of over 1700 lunch time concerts organised at London’s National Gallery during World War II. It is upon these that Hess’ great nephew, Nigel, has based his gentle and oh so British entertainment.

Yes, Dame Myra did have a fine reputation in the likes of Schumann and Brahms; she taught a few students – the most famous of whom is probably Stephen (Bishop-) Kovacevich – and musically she’s undoubtedly best known for her transcription of Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, in itself a quietly reassuring evocation of those troubled times if ever there was one.

Hess is another formidable character seemingly tailor-made for Patricia Routledge – one to place happily alongside the infamous Hyacinth Bucket and Wilde’s Lady Augusta Bracknell whom I caught in Sydney over a decade ago now. However Ms. Routledge’s Hess strikes one as more tactful in going about getting what she wants – for...