Forum Theatre, Malvern – 25th February 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Here in the Midlands we are blessed with having the CBSO close by so it’s easy to overlook visiting orchestras. But in Malvern the English Symphony Orchestra showed us why this is a tragic mistake as they blessed us with two works by Antonin Dvorak; his Cello Concerto and renowned Symphony no. 9.
From the first notes of the Cello Concerto it was obvious that this orchestra is exceptional, producing a sonorous beauty that captured ones heart. The strings were lushly romantic, supported by a muscular brass section and strong, athletic winds all punctuated by dramatic percussion! Our soloist for the evening, Maja Bogdanović, was equally impressive. All the requisite fireworks expected of a soloist in a Romantic work were there; the double and triple stopping and the convoluted, lightening fast runs up and down the fingerboard, Maja treated us to an assured display. But it was that middle section with its singing, heartfelt qualities in which she soared. I especially loved when she was supported just by the lower strings. Wonderful! Totally transported me to a different plane with her glorious tone and sensitive, generous reading. I also adored the interplay between her and the leader of the orchestra, first violinist Kate, in the last movement. Both ladies on the edge of their seats – they we’re almost doing a (sit down) dance together. These are the magic moments you only experience watching live music! After a much deserved, extended ovation we were thoroughly spoiled with a charming encore: “Raindrops” by the 8 year old Jean Sibelius. This pizzicato duet featuring Maja and Kate was the perfect way to lead us into the intermission with beaming smiles.
After the interval the ESO’s exceptional conductor, Kenneth Woods, gave us some background on Dvorak’s reason for going to America and introduced the famous “New World” Symphony, the composer’s all important 9th.
The first movement has (to my ears) something of the sunny uplands of Beethoven Pastoral Symphony about it. Given that Mr Woods had informed that Dvorak’s intention
was to weave into the work some of the natural beauty of America (the prairies) this made sense. Again the orchestra soared! The second movement gave us arguably the most famous part of the work (used in the Hovis adverts) and the grin grew even wider across my face. The 3rd movement opening reminded me of the second movement of Beethovens 9th and the 4th movement gave us an early prediction of film music (think John Williams). I’ve always liked this symphony but it’s never been one I would cite as a favorite. Hearing it played like it was this evening, it is now one I shall encourage everyone to hear live.
The ESO truly did these magnificent works justice, bringing them alive in glorious, panoramic, technicolour with crisp rhythms, exciting shifts of dynamics and all-round stunning playing that was simply sublime. Bravo one and all! A wonderful programme from a breathtakingly world class orchestra, I can’t wait for their next visit.