The opening work of this invigorating concert displayed the talents of the rather obscure Russian composer, Anatoly Liadov. If he is remembered at all it is for his turning down Diaghilev’s commission to compose a ballet which was later handed to Stravinsky, his early Firebird ballet. The Enchanted Lake remains in the repertoire thanks to conductors like Jac van Steen and his orchestra’s belief in the delightful value of the music. Mostly soft and highly atmospheric it received a perceptive performance from everyone; the strings played their softest sounds possible and Jac van Steen obtained six minutes of wonderment.
Dvořák’s Cello Concerto was played by the award winning cellist, Edgar Moreau, in the most winning way, observing the numerous opportunities for soloistic playing that shone forth into the wide expanse of the Lighthouse concert hall. If there were passages where Moreau’s passionate tone was rather hidden by the orchestra, then blame Dvořák for his heavy scoring not the soloist. Jac van Steen was a superb partner in achieving a most satisfying result from everyone in a work that has some of Dvořák’s finest musical material.
Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony was his last, the premiere of which was held days before his death. This remains an astonishing work and received a passionate, heart-warming performance from everybody. From the opening gloom of the bassoon to the finale’s heavy tread of the dying away sounds on the double basses, this performance transversed a multitude of feelings; sad, perhaps tragic, at times but also exhilarating in the third movement march. Jac van Steen endowed the second movement, Allegro con grazia with appropriate warmth and delight. His finale really did seal this wonderful performance with a hair-raising sense of approaching tragedy. I am sure my tears were not the only ones being shed among the capacity audience.
Edward Clark (Musical Opinion)
If you missed this concert, there’s still time to catch up! It’s available to watch until 16 November here