Orchestra London - Symphonic Romance - February 14
February 23, 2008 by VinceL
Rolling thunder from the kettles, Orchestra London opened this year’s Valentine’s concert with Sibelius’ The Swan of Tuonela. Such a quiet piece, its dark edge of restraint holds the attention surprisingly well. Orchestra London’s own Jennifer Short entered the spotlight with her rich English Horn.
Following along the Finnish theme, we next heard Rautavaara’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. Orchestra London’s own Marie Johnson’s clarinet nailed the focal part. Both of these pieces should be heard more often. Surprisingly, the nearly exhaustive Naxos Music Library does not yet offer a recording of Rautavaara’s Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra.
The second half of the program consisted of Tchaikovsky’s familiar Symphony No. 6, “Pathetique.” Guest conductor Uri Mayer, who graciously directed attention to his soloists during the first half of the show, earned the standing ovation after leading our players through four enjoyable movements.
A concert such as this demonstrates the value of season tickets. You are somewhat involuntarily introduced to music you might have never chosen to hear. I say “somewhat,” since you did, of course, look over the promised programme before you bought the tickets. But, the odds are 50-50 or less that I would have randomly chosen to hear Sibelius, Rautavaara, and Tchaikovsky this evening.
An excellent concert!
