VIOLA AND ORCHESTRA

Joe Bronstein and Watford Symphony Orchestra

Clarendon Muse, Saturday 24 January, 2015

Because the opera Hansel and Gretel is based on a fairy tale, it is often felt to be suitable for children as an introduction to opera. Although the popular versions of such stories are at best charming nonsense, many of the original folk legends depend on suspense and horror, with psychological significance that may challenge even aduilts. This, even if not recognised, perhaps underlies the appeal of Humperdinck's opera. such issues weere emerging in the public mind in 1893, when it was first produced. The overture quotes much of the music from the opera, and was thus a challenging opening to this concert. After some uncertainty at the start the Watford Symphony Orchestra rendered it expressively and with competence - which they maintained thoughout the evening.

From Tchaikovsky's ballet music for the almost equally familar legend of The Nutcracker, the orchestra played much more than the selection usually heard in the concert hall. Their conductor, Edward Kay, has a good clear beat, maintaining the differing characters of the 11 varied and expressive movements (though there was an unfortunate false entry). Every section of the orchestra had its moments of distinction in this familiar and delightful music: Mary Reid on the harp deserves special mention.

After the interval came something more novel: Harold in Italy, by Berlioz, a viola concerto in all but name. The soloist, Joe Bronstein, is another product of Watford's creative musical atmosphere! He demonstrated the individual tone of his instrument, especially noticeable on the lower strings, and well judged vibrato. He and the orchestra maintained good ensemble, although there were a few of the trip-ups that amateurs cannot usually entirely avoid. The varied and passionate emotions, arising from the romanticism and unconventional style characteristic of Berlioz, were convincing. The music does not owe much directly to Byron's famous poem, but it is full of the energy and surprises appropriate both to the poet and the composer; Joe and the orchestra understood this.

Graham Mordue