Sunday 2 August

Verdi’s Requiem has had a strong presence at the Proms over the last fifty years and I heard my first live performance under Carlo Maria Giulini in 1963 to electrifying effect.

If Donald Runnicles’ performance last night did not quite eclipse that memory there was certainly a great deal to enjoy in the handling of the large forces and, in particular, the sensitivity to the quieter passages. The opening was so soft it hardly reached the extremities of the Royal Albert Hall but when it erupted there was a violence in the momentum which seemed unstoppable. He was greatly helped by the impact of the Chorus of the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Using somewhat smaller choral forces than is often the case, but a force which is entirely professional and used to singing from memory, made for an intensity of attack and boldness of line which easily road the orchestral forces. Dies ira  and Tuba mirum were thrilling in their impact, but as  noted above, it was the more reflective moments which particularly impressed. Angela Meade’s soprano floated effortlessly through the hall but it was the human warmth of Karen Cargill’s mezzo which seemed to be the key to Donald Runnicles’ approach.

Bass Raymond Aceto gave stalwart support even if occasionally it lacked passion. Tenor Yosep Kang has a strong top to the voice but he had considerable difficulty in the middle register and the voice was often out of focus and at times off pitch. A pity when so much around him was so good.

The concert will be repeated on BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday at 2.00pm.