Reviews
Orchestra's majestic night at the movies
THEME music from the movies was presented, with great style and panache, to a packed audience at The Majestic Hotel. The well-discipline orchestra of 80-plus musicians was ably led by Jo Richardson and conducted, in his own humorous and inimitable style, by Bryan Western, who addressed the audience with a pleasantly informal introduction to the programme.
A rousing start to the evening was presented in The 'Dambusters' March by Eric Coates. Following on came the perennial "Western" standard, The Big Country, with its great sweeping visions of the American prairies, although the shimmering strings were perhaps a little overpowered by the robust brass section.
Back, next, to the Second World War with Walton's Spitfire Prelude & Fugue, which was reminiscent of the graceful lines and style of the famous aircraft itself.
No programme of movie music would be complete without a 'taste of James Bond', and we were treated to an interestingly arranged medley of 'Bond' themes, consisting of the iconic James Bond Theme, For Your Eyes Only, Live and Let Die and Goldfinger.
Back once more to WW2 with 633 Squadron, a highlight of the evening.
This rendition really did conjure up an image of a squadron of Mosquito fighter-bombers, streaking across the countryside at zero feet, on their way to their target.
A humorous interpretation of The Pink Panther then added a touch of levity to the proceedings, followed by music from the Star Trek series, which was started by a member of the audience being invited, and accepting, the role of voice-over for the immortal "Space, the final frontier...".
The second half of the programme began with The Empire Strikes Back, being initially conducted with a light sabre!
A big 'opener' to the half, although perhaps the 'Darth Vader March' section lacked a little pace and therefore its driving menace.
A change of mood ensued with ET which, although acknowledged to be fiendishly difficult to play, was performed with great style and confidence.
Murder on the Orient Express was excellent, coping well with the many changes of rhythm and the nuance of Richard Rodney Bennett's haunting melodies.
On, then, to the majestic Jurassic Park and the dark militaristic music of Gladiator. Special mention, with regard to the latter, must be made of the three percussionists who wove a splendidly complex pattern of rhythms, instruments and of themselves in this performance.
A rollicking, swashbuckling rendition of the Pirates of the Caribbean preceded the finale of the programme - the magical picture of goblins, elves and wizards in Lord of the Rings.
This was a truly climactic finale to a full and red-blooded evening of music, which was enthusiastically applauded by a truly appreciative audience.
- Brian A Lucas, Harrogate Advertiser