24 Nov 2008

MANCHESTER CAMERATA
St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury

Shropshire Music Trust's excellent season continued at St. Chad's Church with a concert given by Manchester Camerata conducted by Douglas Boyd. The distinguished soloist was John Lill who played Beethoven's First Piano Concerto.

Haydn's 22nd symphony opened the concert, a beautiful work with themes of great simplicity which Haydn developed superbly. The opening slow movement was played with a broad, expansive approach giving every section of the orchestra an opportunity to show their virtuosity. The horns were magnificent and Mr. Boyd's attention to the symphony's dynamics was exemplary throughout this joyful work.

Beethoven's First Piano Concerto, with John Lill playing the solo part, was breath-taking from start to finish. It is a remarkable work, taking a backward glance at Mozart's concertos, but this performance looked forward to Beethoven's later compositions for piano. Playing of orchestra and soloist alike were magical, whether in the Largo or the fast outer movements. The dynamics of this music suggest a mix of militarism and mischief throughout which the woodwind were superb especially in the interplay between clarinet and piano in the largo.

The final work was Beethoven's First Symphony. The orchestra was on sparkling form, and the advantage of a relatively small orchestra were obvious. Every section of this excellent ensemble could be heard with amazing clarity and the audience was on the edge of their seats wondering if the break-neck speed could be maintained. It was! Mr. Boyd conducted a performance of great passion combined with superb accuracy which won the respect of a delighted audience.

Andrew Petch

Last Updated : 26/11/2008