It is by no means dismissive of the contribution by the whole orchestra but the solos and exposed work were the outstanding performances of Friday’s thoroughly workmanlike concert, titled High Seas Adventure.
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Symphonic Suite, Op 35, Scheherazade, is a heaven-sent showcase. Orchestra leader Alison Boden naturally has the lion’s share and she rose to the task with grace and professionalism. Conductor Eugene Montieth was right to single out for particular applause his various sections: woodwind, brass, horns and percussion. And a gratifyingly full house responded with enthusiasm.
Montieth has an almost nonchalant conducting appearance with little histrionics. It is obviously an approach which works for BSO.
Cwmbach sing, they say, in the language of heaven; they are British born, but by the grace of God (maintains a friend of mine), Welsh. And you will not hear better this side of Eastern Europe.
Saturday’s programme, partly devoted to the fascinating link they had with the incomparable Paul Robeson, was full of fervour, passion, glorious sound.
The choir did not miss a beat, oft times a millisecond ahead of musical director Andrew Quick and their tone was constant, golden, to the end. Their discipline, so often nowadays considered unimportant, was impeccable.
Newbury’s American Trilogy was fascinating; John Rutter’s arrangement of When the Saints go Marching In quite captivating but, for sheer roundness of sound and precision, the items sung in Welsh were the cream of the evening.
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