|
|
|
LEICESTER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR,
DE MONTFORT HALL, SAT 27 Walton - Belshazzar's Feast
Review by Peter Collett Sir William Walton's March for a History of the English Speaking Peoples may have a mouthful of a title, but provided a rousing start to an enjoyable concert. Walton's atmospheric score for Henry V gave an opportunity for the two hundred or so singers of the combined Leicester Philharmonic Choir and the Derby Choral Union to build from a subtle pianissimo to robust fortissimo, which they did expertly. Banks of Green Willow by Butterworth and Bruch's Violin Concerto showcased a talented English Festival Orchestra under the baton of Hilary Davan Wetton. Violin soloist Heather Badke's performance was stunning, with particular clarity in the first and second movements. While much of Walton's music has a certain "Englishness" about it, the large scale choral work, Belshazzar's Feast, very much has the drama and outrage of a biblical Babylon about it. Baritone soloist Jacques Imbrailo gave a strong performance and Walton's orchestral scoring was used to the full, including organ, giving the King of Instruments the chance to gloriously underpin the sound with rich bass. Sections of brass in the over stage balconies made for vibrant fanfares. The powerful orchestra made the choirs work hard, although particularly in the final hymn of praise, the choirs soared triumphantly to be the crowning glory. |
|
|