Chandos Reviews

We try and keep a list of reviews of our concerts. We rely on people sending us the review so if you have one that is not listed here please contact us. All the reviews are copyright the original listed publication. To see the concert that the review refered to, click on the date.

2011

Richard Strauss's Concerto for Oboe opened Chandos's concert with Lydia Griffiths.

The Chandos Young Musician winner 2009, an assured soloist, plunged straight into the first Allegro with florid episodes of melody, in partnership with beautifully toned strings, woodwind and horns.

Continuing without breaks between movements, Lydia's long-phrased cantabile line through andante was especially lovely when cellos were alongside; her vibrant cadenza led to an exuberant Vivace and ultimately to the dazzling final section.

A brilliant trumpet solo introduced Mahler's Fifth Symphony, a work of gargantuan proportions, the huge orchestral demands ideal for Chandos to get its teeth into. It was a tour de force and the orchestra excelled in every aspect.

The funereal marching, lamenting, blistering brass and moments of reflection amongst the passion and hysteria, marked the first part. The Scherzo heard a solo horn calling and everyone celebrated with folk waltzes; excitement mounted as the orchestra electrified the audience.

The Adagietto for strings and harp was an oasis of serenity and the final allegro was full of contrapuntal agility.

The sound of Chandos was magnificent. It was a huge undertaking, but with conductor Michael Lloyd, the orchestra was held firmly in check. The result was an impressive accomplishment!

Jill Hopkins

Chandos Symphony Orchestra's concert was full of colour and surprises as can be guaranteed from these dedicated musicians.

Malcolm Arnold's portrayal of the epic story by Robert Burns of Tarn o'Shanter, who habitually had a drop too much to drink, was vividly re-created by Chandos.

Mimicry of bagpipes and jazzy distorted pipes and drums were emulated humorously.

Knoxville, Summer of 1915, Op.24 by Samuel Barber, with soprano soloist Anna Patalong, was reflective in mood as the singer reminisced about her time in Tennessee.

The orchestra was supportive, creating a gentle atmosphere while the singer soared to beauti- ful quiet heights in a vocal line" of simplicity.

Elgar's Bavarian Dances Op. 2 comprised a rather heavy-footed The Dance, Lullaby, with some lovely legato playing, and The Marksmen achieving a glorious patriotic finish.

Symphony No. l in B flat minor by Walton is a massive work which the Chandos made an excellent job of.

The first Allegro, discordant brass rising up foreboding and jarring, timps and woodwind — quite overwhelming!

On to the second movement of agitating strings and explosions of brass, woodwind forcing through in throbbing monotones until the fervent Andante, a threnody of watery woodwind and plucked strings, plaintive solos, solemn beat of drums: tension mounted dramatically, and the closing Maestoso drove on until sudden rests and orchestral blasts.

Jill Hopkins