Last night’s SCO concert at the Usher Hall was conducted by the distinguished French conductor, Emmanuel Krivine, who as the Principal Guest Conductor, kindly stepped in to replace Robin Ticciati who is currently indisposed. The programme featured nineteenth century composers and began with Mendelssohn’s well-known Hebrides Overture. Mendelssohn was inspired to write this piece after having visited the island of Staffa where he witnessed the dramatic raw power of nature – screeching gulls and the ebb and flow of waves thundering into Fingal’s cave. Under the control of Krivine’s baton, the musicians emulated an impressive rendition of the tranquillity and turbulence so prevalent in this overture.
Alina Ibragimova was the soloist in Schumann’s violin concerto in D minor which he astonishingly wrote in only thirteen days. As soon as she picked up her bow, it was obvious she was going to be creating a commanding performance, which indeed she did. Even the violinist Schumann wrote the concerto for considered the solo parts extremely challenging but Ibragimova mastered them with great confidence. Her range of tones displayed her immense talent, and her sensitive pianissimo passages were superbly played. All in all, as an ensemble they created an inspiring sound.
The concert concluded with Brahms Symphony No 4 in E minor, the last symphony he was to write before his death. A stirring composition, strongly featuring the horn and brass section who, once they had gathered momentum, created a majestic sound. And the string section in pianissimo passages sounded deliciously sweet. It was a delight to watch Krivine during the performance. He became so animated with the music that he periodically jumped up and down the podium. A rousing composition, it inspired the ’Yes’ rock group keyboard player Rick Wakeman to use parts of the symphony on the track ‘Cans and Brahms’ from their 1970’s album Fragile.
Friday 11 March – Glasgow City Halls, 7.30pm tickets: £15/£29
Saturday 12 March – Aberdeen Music Halls, 7.30pm tickets: £11.50/£23