Sometimes, it is difficult to put into words the sheer beauty and exquisiteness of classical music and this programme from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's Wednesday night series was just such an occasion.
With pieces from Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven, the evening was conducted by English-born Nicholas McGegan whose worldwide reputation earned him an OBE “for services to music overseas”.
Surely one of the most exuberant and joyful conductors, his whole body infectiously brought the programme to life - clearly this is a man who really loves his work.
The evening started with Brahms Liebeslieder Walzer (love-song waltzes), said to be inspired by the composer's love for Robert Schumann's daughter. Each short piece is unique in its own right conjuring visions of swirling elegance, sumptuous ball-gowns and occasions of grandeur.
Then, the breathtaking Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante K 364, showcasing the incredible talents of two guest soloists. Twenty-seven-year-old German violinist Veronika Eberle gave her concert debut at only 10, and has since played at Carnegie Hall, New York, the Mozarteum in Salzburg and St Martin in the Fields among many others. French violist Antoine Tamestit studied at the Paris Conservatory and has been delighting audiences worldwide with his beautiful style ever since, described as “meltingly beautiful” by the New York Times.
Stood each side of the conductor, the synchronicity and camaraderie between the soloists was magical as they delivered this stunning piece. Complemented by the full orchestra, the work was brought to life like nothing I have seen before, and it was tear inducing, especially during the Andante said to be inspired by Mozart's loss of his mother. The pace of the finale was something quite special, allowing both soloists to use the very top of their range (top E flat for violin, the highest note Mozart wrote for the instrument) and was faultlessly delivered. Rapturous applause, foot stomping and “bravos” ensued from the packed concert hall and rightly so.
Beethoven's 7th Symphony, first performed in 1813 has been described as a piece that “threatens to sweep the entire orchestra off its feet” with its relentless pace. Beethoven himself described it as “one of my best works” and tonight it was showcased with verve, vigour and passion. Judging by the lengthy applause and cheering at its end, the audience seemed to wholeheartedly agree with the composer's description, as did I.
Stephanie Hall
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