The Scottish Chamber Orchestra had a full programme at the Queens Hall last night and the first composition played reflected the variety of moods being portrayed during the evening. Alexander Janiczek was the guest conductor and lead violinist. An immensely talented player he directed Stravinsky’s neo-classical Concerto in Re for strings with his typical dynamism encouraging the musicians to emphasise the agitated tempo particularly in the first and final movement.
Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante KV364 for violin and viola was next on the agenda. The soloists were Alexander Janiczek on violin and Jane Atkins on viola. Jane Atkins is the principal viola player in the SCO and it was a pleasure hearing her perform solo as the musicians rarely have the opportunity to display their talents in an individual way. Both playing without a score, the sound she and Janiczek achieved, particularly in the duets, was superb, blending beautifully together in the soaring passages.
The next soloist on the programme was Llyr Williams playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 2 in B flat. He came onto the platform, sat down and adjusted his piano stool, then rose again and started to conduct the orchestra. It certainly is rare to have two player/ conductors and it illustrates how talented the SCO musicians are as they are able to perform without at times visibly seeing the conductor. Williams, who is obviously very familiar with this concerto, has a delightful lightness of touch and he dexterously played the cadenza in the first movement. And in the andante movement, he succeeded in creating a romantic mood in the simple passages.
Mozart’s Symphony No 31 in D was the final piece. Written in 1778, it was a time when Mozart was peaking in popularity and he composed it for the prestigious Parisian ‘Concert Spirituels.’ Again seated with the players, Janiczek appeared to be in his element with the orchestra creating a crisp, sharp sound, and the natural horn players in good form. It was a great ending to a great concert.
Friday 16 January, 7.30pm, Glasgow City Halls.
Saturday 17 January, 7.30pm, Aberdeen Music Hall.