Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, 6 October 2013

Saved almost at the last minute by generous donations from friends and well-wishers, the new season got off to a rousing start with an all-Beethoven programme. Barry Wordsworth took a moment to thank those who had donated and also to welcome back leader John Bradbury who has been missed by all of us over the last year.

The afternoon may have looked conventional enough but the playing, particularly the concerto, made this into a highly memorable occasion.

Radiant horns and some subtle woodwind brought Beethoven’s overture Leonore No3 to life, setting the seal for the afternoon.

Jayson Gillham may have a reputation for being somewhat laid-back but there was nothing overtly casual about his approach to the Emperor concerto. The opening was brisk and bright, with a clipped staccato attack, before a beautifully paced and almost indulgently romantic account of the second movement. Fire returned with a bouncing rondo finale which at times verged on the cheeky. A splendid interpretation, and one which captured the enthusiasm of the audience. Many wanted to applaud after the first movement, which on this occasion would certainly have been justified – had this been a Prom it would almost certainly have happened!

The Pastoral symphony was a more relaxed affair though tempi were mainly on the rapid side. The horns again impressed, with the rasp of the hunt in appropriate places. I had not realised before how astute Beethoven is in keeping the music moving so fluidly. Where Vaughan Williams’ pastoral approach verges on stasis and meditative calm, Beethoven’s rural scene is constantly alive and buzzing, bar by bar, without any hint that the excitement of life will end. The cellos came into their own towards the end of the last movement and the whole reached a fine and highly satisfactory conclusion.

The next concert on Sunday 3 November brings us an all Bach programme including the Magnificat where the BPS are joined by the Brighton Festival Chorus. Details from www.brightonphil.org.uk BH