THE Chandos Orchestra, with Michael Lloyd conducting, began with Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor with Edward Bale as soloist. His was a thought provoking interpretation, with a penetrating awareness of the composer's soul-searching.
In the Nocturne: Moderato, after an ominous orchestra introduction, we heard the violin wandering and searching; all became hauntingly despondent. Orchestration of timpani, brass, woodwind and harp, with the soloist in exquisite melody above was torturous.
The Passacaglia: Andante-cadenza revealed the superb Bale in wonderful song, with the orchestra weaving around him. The Burlesque: Allegro con brio, with forceful rhythm, gathered momentum as the orchestra and soloist speeded on to a stylish, sudden finish.
Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique was a chance to show the multi-faceted spectrum of orchestra colour to the full. Solo clarinets and flute added warmth in the Valse: allegro non troppo and two solo oboes in responses, (one off stage), were pastoral in the Adagio. The March to the Scaffold was chilling when the orchestra gave their all. The concluding Witches Sabbath, with muted woodwind, a tolling death knell off was suitably horrible.
JILL HOPKINS
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