Brahms orch. Dvořák: Hungarian Dances 17-21
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Dvořák: Symphony No 7
"First visit is so memorable"
"On their first visit to St George's, Bristol Concert Orchestra presented a popular programme which attracted a large audience.
Opening with five of Brahms' Hungarian Dances the orchestra made a rather tentative approach at first but soon got into their stride with some lively playing.
The main work was Beethoven's Violin Concerto in which the performance of the soloist, Tom Pigott-Smith was relaxed and assured especially in the sublime slow movement and his crisp account of the finale concluded an outstanding interpretation.
Dvořák's 7th Symphony has sometimes been described as both warm and dark. The gloom of the first movement contrasted with the tenderness of the expressive adagio. The scherzo skipped along at a rapid pace leading in the powerful finale, in which the brass section distinguished themselves.
The conductor Stefan Hofkes once again directed the orchestra with skill and great enthusiasm".
(John Packwood - Bristol Evening Post - 11 December 2000)
Last updated: 26 April 2002
