The Dome, Brighton, 2 November 2014
Brighton Festival Chorus joined the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra for an afternoon of indulgence, with works by Parry, Elgar and Strauss. If the opening Schubert – the Marche Militaire – seemed slightly at odds with the rest of the programme, Barry Wordsworth informed us that, in this 90th season, they were playing the very first work heard by the orchestra. Its brief briskness proved an apt opening to an afternoon full of romantic delights.
Parry is at his best in choral settings and there are few choral masterpieces to set beside I was glad. Written for the coronation of Edward VII, it has been heard at every coronation since and is certainly worth a regular hearing. The Festival Chorus rose to the occasion with aplomb and the orchestra brought the dramatic intensity, with brass blazing and organ firing on all cylinders, which the work requires.
Nicholas Daniel was the soloist in Strauss’ Oboe Concerto which formed a more relaxed interlude between the heroic impact of the Parry. The soloist bought a delicate warmth to his playing and Barry Wordsworth etched a sensitive accompaniment. The gentle return in the final movement after the cadenza was particularly effective.
Parry’s Blessed Pair of Sirens opened the second half with a glorious outpouring of melody and finely balanced orchestral playing.
Elgar’s Enigma Variations may be familiar but they are always welcome, particularly in the company of the Parry which set such a fine context for them. Barry Wordsworth takes a direct, unsentimental approach to the whole, allowing the individual variations to build effortlessly to the climax of E.D.U which unfolded with skill and nobility.
The next concert on 7 December also brings us a set of English works. We are doing well this season for home grown composers!