THIS year’s festival is nothing if not varied in scope, breadth and width, writes Felicity Luckman.

There have already been concerts, films, playreadings, walks and talks, all to a very high standard. Darryl Harrison’s talk on ‘Stealing Fire from the Gods: Beethoven and Prometheus’ was well thought out and illustrated, showing how Beethoven was a master of themes and variations.

Dr Sean Sweeney is familiar with the organ at Tavistock Parish Church, and this showed in the recital he gave there. Henrik Andriessen’s Theme and Variations contrasted well with Bach’s Schmucke dich, O Liebe Seele, which introduced serenity. After Bossi’s Scherzo, which was lightness itself, the audience was treated to William Mathias, followed by Buxtehude, who was such a huge influence on Bach. After Guilmant’s Invocation Sean finished the recital in fine style with Vierne’s Carillon de Westminster.

Tavistock Sings! (see pictures) where the talents of the next generation of local musicians is on display, is always popular. Though fewer schools than usual took part, the standard was maintained, with Harrowbarrow Primary School, Mount Kelly Prep Junior Choir and Mount Kelly College Choir all performing, as well as the Mount Kelly Concert Band. At the end the combined choirs gave a spirited performance of Beethoven’s Joyful, Joyful.

The last in the series of lunchtime recitals was given by Brian Chapple on the piano. From the first notes it was obvious that the audience in St Eustachius’ Church was in for a treat. Beethoven, Bach, Chopin and Debussy were all given expert treatment, and the recital ended with a warmly-received performance of Brian’s own Swing’s the Thing. This was a well-planned recital, and Brian treated the audience to a delightful variety of musical moods. The attendance at lunch-time recitals is going up, and with music of this quality it is no surprise as to why.

Another success was gained by Peter Cigleris, clarinet and Martin Cousen, piano. They played a varied programme including Andrew Wilson and Clive Jenkins, both of whom were in the audience, and Malcolm Arnold, whose daughter was present. Clive Jenkins even doubled up as page-turner! The warmth of the clarinet, with plenty of light and shade, was much in evidence. If the audience had not been told, no-one would have suspected that Peter’s journey from London took three hours longer than expected!

The supper at the Bedford Hotel was well attended. An excellent meal was provided, but the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Talking Heads by Alan Bennett, directed by Stuart Waterworth courtesy of The Tavonians. Two were given as rehearsed readings; A Lady of Letters with Sarah Denne and A Cream Cracker Under the Settee with Pam Smith. Alan Bennett is a master at drawing out human foibles, and the two ladies hardly needed to refer to their scripts. Both gave entertaining and evocative monologues, doing much more than simply reading the words. Musical accompaniment was provided by Peggy Salmon. The monologues had been performed twice before in the Festival, but lost nothing of their freshness.

Another excellent week of festival delights.