Friday 10 February 2017

Review of Halle Orchestra concert on 9th February 2017


Cristian Măcelaru conducted a programme with the Hallé that drew a decent crowd, perhaps as much as a result of astute programme planning as by the presence of a notable local hero as its soloist.

Whichever it was, the presence of virtuoso organist Jonathan Scott at the controls of the mighty Marcussen of the Bridgewater Hall, plus music by Sibelius, Poulenc, Dvořák and Janáček, made an attractive combination.

The American conductor began with a sumptuous account of Sibelius’ tone poem, The Oceanides, building to a weighty climax and ending with beautifully blended wind and brass as calm returned.

The Poulenc organ concerto is almost unique in concert repertoire, using the full power of the king of instruments and yet charming and quite jazzy, at times, also. Jonathan Scott was completely on top of the work’s demands, registering with great faithfulness to Poulenc’s instructions and making every aspect of his writing count. The orchestra, led by Lyn Fletcher, enjoyed their role, too, with lively playing of the Dick Barton-style theme of the first Allegro, under Măcelaru’s hand.

Six of Dvořák’s Legends came after the interval, in an all-Czech second half, and Sir Mark Elder’s orchestra know how to play this composer well by now. While he was away preparing Rusalka for the Met, they and Măcelaru graced this music with deep affection, lovely nuances of rhythm and expression, and wind solos of great individuality, especially from principal clarinet Sergio Castelló López.

Janáček’s Taras Bulba rhapsody made a vivid finale to the concert, with Jonathan Scott returning to the organ, this time in a ‘backing’ role. Janáček was an organist who found love and creativity in late middle age (so there’s hope for anyone), and his vivid sonic effects were given full rein as the story-telling music wove its spell.

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