Concert Programme and Reviews

The amazing pull of The Planets

THE huge orchestral forces required for performances of Holst's 'Planets Suite' mean that it only rarely receives an airing. More the pity, then, when Harrogate benefits from an opportunity to hear a live performance of this fine and unusual work that the Royal Hall was only about two-thirds full last Saturday. Why? Contrast that with regular sell-out audiences who turn out year after year to hear, in the Advent season, a work they can hear three-four times locally each December.

Harrogate Symphony Orchestra's Winter Concert began with Arnold's Peterloo Overture – another rarely-heard work but one which helps people recall an event, like so many others, in which participants made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could have their freedom – in this case, of speech.

This dramatic piece vividly retells the Peterloo (near Manchester) massacre of 1819 when 11 political protesters were killed and 400 injured. The performance started calmly with some lush string playing but the peace was gradually shattered by insistent, and eventually overpowering, ostinatos from two side drums. Effective imitations of World-War Two-style sirens added to the deliberate chaos and confusion but the opening theme returned in triumph to the accompaniment of bells.

To complete the set, as it were, this concert's third rarity was a horn concerto and not one by Mozart. R Strauss composed two such works and the first of these was performed by Andy Williams, the orchestra's principal horn. His playing showed a true understanding of the music's style as he contrasted extremely well-shaped phrases with a strident tone in the livelier sections. The balance between soloist and orchestra was well-nigh perfect throughout with some delicate string playing, as well as a lyrically played counter-melody from two cellos and a delightful flute solo. The work continues without a break and the changes in the varying tempi and moods was skilfully handled.

And so to The Planets. Quadruple woodwind, 20 brass players, a massive percussion section including seven timpani, more string players than this writer has ever seen at this venue – and more. No wonder that astonishing power was achieved in Mars, and this after the slow section, slightly slower than usual, made its extremely well-controlled way towards a ferocious climax. No wonder also that the audience applauded after this individual movement. The performance of Saturn epitomised the whole experience with its vivid contrasts and 'Jupiter' featured some sparkling woodwind playing. Venus, however, disappointed when the balance, tuning and ensemble all suffered despite the quality solo violin playing from Jo Richardson. Neptune, the final movement, was clouded in mystery and concluded with 20 female members of Harrogate Choral Society, directed by Marilynne Davies and singing off-stage, disappearing into the ethereal distance with their wordless chorus ending with an amazing pianissimo.

This writer has complimented HSO and its imaginative conductor, Bryan Western, on several occasions over recent years. It should be a source of enormous pride that the town has such an outstanding ensemble and capacity audiences should be the norm, especially for a concert such as this.

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