The Dome, Brighton, 9 February 2014
The Brighton Philharmonic has a strong tradition of encouraging young musicians, and so it was good to encounter William Dutton from the Yehudi Menuhin School as soloist in Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. After a surprisingly veiled opening movement the rapid pacing of the Andante, with a dance-like lift rather than romantic introspection, led into the furious intensity of the final movement which seemed to better suite his temperament. He gave a technically impressive performance even if there were times when it lacked refinement. This will come with greater experience and for a first outing was stimulating and exciting. Confidence was never lacking and his enthusiasm for the phrasing of the final movement was impressive. If you look William up on line do not be surprised by the references to him as a chorister – yes it is the same, many talented, young man, who has now replaced the violin for the treble voice.
The afternoon opened with Prokofiev’s classical symphony which, as time passes, seems less and less classical and ever more the voice of the composer. The small forces were well balanced and fleet in delivery.
After the interval we heard one of the finest, and in many ways, most easily overlooked masterpieces of the late 18th century. Haydn’s symphony no 104, the London, constantly challenges the listener without ever upsetting the ear. Page after page of development oozes Beethoven in its shifting patterns and clashes of rhythm and harmony. It is a masterpiece and performed here with clarity of line and a real love of the score from all concerned. More Haydn please!