Vivaldi's The Four Seasons formed the backbone of this concert. However, rather than playing the concerti in the usual order, they were interspersed between contemporary compositions.
Monica Huggett, one of the foremost exponents of baroque music, was the soloist and director of the ESO strings, with David Ponsford on harpsichord
Vivaldi's Concerto in G 'Alla Rustica' (FX1 No7) produced an expressive 'Adagio', while his Sinfonia in B minor 'Al Santo Sepulcre' (FX1 No7), its harmonic textures realised exquisitely, ended with memorable cadence modulations. Section leaders layered immensely the beautiful melody in Sinfonia in G major by Albinoni, with Monica Hugget's 'Adagio' theme showing poise and elegance.
Accurate and speedy finger-work was often a necessary element, particularly in the Presto sections of The Four Seasons. However, the orchestra maintained their exciting virtuoso delivery, with momentum never flagging.
Monica Huggett led with firm direction, her own performance powerful and vigorous, though there were moments of doubtful intonation. Her duets and small ensemble playing with section leaders was splendid, most notably with lead cellist Peter Adams.
Jill Hopkins
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