SOME would say that Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 5 is his greatest symphonic work?
Even those who don’t usually like Tchaikovsky may enjoy it. Its phrases are not as over-expansive and as pretentious as some of Tchaik ovsky’s other music, and it does not have the same number of over-romanticised affectations. This performance at St George’s Church, for all its very minor imperfections, did this piece great justice.
As well as Tchaikovsky the audience was treated to Elgar, Verdi and Strauss. Elgar’s Serenade for Strings - together with Verdi’s Overture - La Forza del Destino and Strauss’s Serenade for Wind, op 7 - had clear tone colour and tight ensemble. The use of double bass for the Strauss seemed like an added surprise.
Technical skill in all sections of the orchestra seems to be one of the assets of these players, encouraged by the assets of conductor Keith Slade.
The next concert, taking place in Pershore Abbey in June, will see Slade as the soloist for Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Something to look forward.
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