Argus readers of an older generation might remember Schubert’s lively Marche Militaire being requested regularly on what used to be BBC Radio’s Light Programme.
But it’s doubtful if any of the audience who enjoyed it during Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s second concert of its 90th season were aware why it was chosen for last Sunday’s programme.
Conductor Barry Wordsworth explained : “We simply wanted the very first piece that the orchestra played.”
He then promised a real afternoon of treats and, appealing to many tastes, the orchestra, the Brighton Festival Chorus, and oboe soloist Nicholas Daniel delivered with distinction.
Daniel was more than equal to the physical and technical challenges in the Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto In D Major, showing great breathing control, nimbleness and stamina.
The Festival Chorus neatly dovetailed layers of sound against the unified power of the orchestra in the beautifully performed Parry choral pieces, Coronation Anthem (I was Glad) and Blest Pair of Sirens.
In Elgar’s engaging Enigma Variations the consistently excellent orchestra showed its range of talents, from the nimbleness of the woodwinds to the controlled punch of the brass and the backbone of strings, cellos and double-basses, driven by crisp percussion.
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