Classical
favourites in music and song
Monday,
28th April 2003
(Article published with kind permission of Northeast Press
Limited,
Sunderland Echo)
REVIEW
by Roy Horabin
SUNDERLAND Symphony Orchestra chose popular classics
for its concert at West Park Church, where Gemma Busfield (soprano) and
Gregory Pullen (cello) appeared as guest artists.
From the outset, Rupert Hanson's conducting inspired
confidence so that we were given a refreshing rendition of Weber's
overture, Peter Schmoll.
To follow, Gregory Pullen brought nobility and
eloquence to the Saint-Saёns Cello Concerto in A minor. In the vigorous
opening scene, he sparked off a spontaneous response from the orchestra.
Gregory Pullen
The courtly minuet received delicate treatment and
during the final episode a display of virtuosity and vivid dynamics
produced musical fireworks.
Gemma, 19, began with the Laughing Song from Die
Fledermaus. Gemma delightfully captured the gaiety and sparkle of this
Viennese gem.
In majestic mood, Mozart's Allelujah brought equal
pleasure. Her pure-toned voice was further enjoyed in contrasting excerpts
from the Mikado and Pirates of Penzance.
Well-varied orchestral pieces included Nimrod, Sleeping
Beauty and a favourite of mine – In The Steppes of Central Asia. Borodin's
use of Russian and Oriental tunes suggest the desolate emptiness of the
desert, the still air in the midday heat and the approach of a caravan
with horses and camels. Some blemishes in exposed passages didn't detract
from the overall effectiveness of this colourful sketch.
The fourth movement from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony,
starting with a triumphal march, sounded splendid amid the church's
grandeur. Individual sections generally coped well with rhythmic
complexities, the final bars being dramatised by a quickening pace and
increased dynamics. The orchestra, now in its fourth year, owes much of
its success to Rupert's hard work and devotion.
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