|
|
|
LEICESTER MERCURY 16/06/09
LEICESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Conductor – Pavel Kotla DE MONTFORT HALL, LEICESTER
Review by Peter Collett A joint concert with the Leicester Philharmonic Choir, two pieces for orchestra alone began the concert. A slightly over brassy but beautifully phrased Overture to Prince Igor by Borodin, was followed by Bajka or Fairytale. This accessible piece by Polish composer Moniuszko had many contrasting themes telling in music, a fairytale of excitement, drama, mischief and warm kindness. The LSO gave a wonderful performance, easily adapting to and conveying the different moods of the piece. Sibelius’ tone poem Finlandia opened with beautifully crisp brass and proceeded to build up all the drama necessary in this majestic piece. The middle section, sung by the choir, was gentle and soothing and although perhaps lacking confidence on the part of the choir, choir and orchestra were well balanced. The major work of the evening, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor “Choral”, featured orchestra, choir and professional vocal soloists. All combined to present a highly commendable performance of this struggle between terror and joy. The Molto Vivace saw wonderfully bright playing contrasted with full orchestra passages punctuated by fiery timpani. Crisp and exciting vocal solos lacked volume while the choir were in their element for the famous Ode to Joy theme, exploding into a powerful and delicious torrent of sound bringing the work to its joyous conclusion. Conductor, Pavel Kotla, in his last performance with the orchestra, could surely be proud of his achievements in what overall was a fine performance. |
|
|