joyous and bold classical music in a glorious harmonious concert
Opening tonight’s performance, second violin Gordon Bragg noted that it’s not often that the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (aka SCO) settle down to rehearse at the start of the week without knowing the music in question, but this happened this week, when they were practicing Ludwig van Beethoven’s Concert Aria: “Ah, perfido!”, which contrasts delightfully with Beethoven’s 8th Symphony, one of the SCO’s core repertoire.
This playful combination of known and unknown sets the scene for tonight’s concert, starting with Gioachino Rossini’s “Overture, The Barber of Seville”. Led by special collaborator first violin Lorenza Borrani in dashing style and exuberance, we’re whipped into effervescent fun, with bouncy strings and vibrancy throughout, gathering in pace and ferocity, before dipping and building all over again. Pure fun, and the SCO looked to be enjoying themselves as much as the audience.
With the arrival of soprano Robin Johannsen, we move into Ludwig van Beethoven’s Concert Aria: “Ah, perfido!”. A tale of agony, turmoil, rage and vengeance, her voice soars, with quicksilver changes in pace and emotion, beautifully reflected in her accompaniment, especially in the woodwind section. Coming to a rapturous conclusion, well deserved bravos rang out during the ovations.
Following this was Benjamin Britten’s “Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge”where the theme is introduced in dark film noir-ish qualities, before being modified over 10 subsequent versions, each with its own tone and signatures. From the swoony Romance and Aria Italiana variations, to the , coming full circle to the darker somber qualities of the Funeral March, and haunting Chant. Comprising only the strings of the SCO, it is simply a stunning piece. Particularly mesmerizing were the cellos of Sue-a Lee, Philip Higham, Donald Gillan, and Eric de Wit, in combination with the double bass of Jamie Kenny and Yehor Podkolzin.
Following the interval, we return to Beethoven and “Symphony No.8” for some more changes in paces, call and response within the sections, and musicians clearly having the time of their lives playing together. One minute bold and swaggery, the next lighter and frothier. The finale reaches a climax of all elements racing and straining together for one final flourish, and more very well deserved applause.
Reflecting on the programming combination, you could be forgiven for being unsure if it would work, but recognisable shared elements and the joy from the SCO meant the various pieces and movements within, all blended beautifully, forming a most agreeable alliance.
Tonight’s venue, The Queen’s Hall, is a frequent home to the SCO, and served its role admirably. Softened house lights adding just enough atmosphere against the slightly shabby chic of the chipping blue paint, and feeling far more intimate than a larger concert venue, especially with Borrani leading, rather than a traditional conductor. Snugly tucked inside, away from the driving rain of Scotland in Spring, the warmth of the crowd reaction throughout the performance, and particularly during the final ovations, would be enough to dry the most sodden of clothes.
Part of the SCO’s ethos is that classical music is not a luxury, but something that should be accessible. Their digital Programme is a fitting example of this ethos, it is informative without being intimidating, with full programmes available online, and the performance pages often have an accompanying Spotify playlist too. This element is so consistently beautifully and thoughtfully constructed, it deserves a mention at every opportunity. This, and particularly combined with the sheer jubilance of the SCO’s collective performance tonight, would be an ideal introductory stage for any classical newcomers.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s performances of “Borrani & Beethoven” were on Thursday 5th March at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh and on Friday 6th March at City Halls, Glasgow. The run is now complete, however, please see the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s website for all their upcoming events: https://www.sco.org.uk/whats-on/