Tchaikovsky: Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations
Rachmaninov: Symphony No 2
"An ambitious programme"
"The Bristol Concert Orchestra presented an ambitious programme of Russian music on Saturday evening.
Opening with Tchaikovsky's Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, the orchestra then gave sympathetic support to Joseph Spooner (cello) on his first visit to St George's.
In Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations the music itself continually demonstrates the composer's astonishing lyricism and the seven variations give the soloist a chance to portray his particular talents.
This was a mature and incisive performance from a young cellist with a bright future.
Rachmaninov's Second Symphony in E minor is a work of immense power and maturity which unfortunately is not often included in a concert repertoire. The richness of its themes makes it the most absorbing of the composer's three symphonies.
Under Stefan Hofkes' excellent direction the work was very professionally performed.
The lushness of the brilliant string section with its sweeping melodies, the haunting sound of Stephen Mooney's clarinet in the evocative Adagio and the powerful playing of the brass section in the finale could not fail to make an impression on the capacity audience.
The thunderous reception at the conclusion was evidence of this".
Star rating: ****
(John Packwood - Bristol Evening Post - 10 December 2001)
Last updated: 26 April 2002
