Rarely will you hear the anger and bitterness of Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony unleashed with such unremitting force and acerbity.
It took the Orchestra of Opera North to the edge of their combined virtuosity, the strings digging deep into their instruments to match the power of the brass blow for blow, percussion capping the enormous climaxes.
The Allegro was taken just abou
t as fast as any orchestra could tackle, but it worked in adding that final tingle factor.
It was a powerhouse approach, helped greatly by the cathedral's resonant acoustic, though in the moments when the composer looked forward to peace, the woodwind floated beautifully as if suspended on air.
The concert, which formed part of the Ripon International Festival, was conducted by Janusz Piotrowicz, and he had chosen three very differing works for the first half, with the tenderness of the Prelude of Act 1 of Wagner's opera, Lohengrin, finding the violins treading through that treacherous opening with total security.
Borodin's In the Steppes of Central Asia brought the scent of the Orient with some gorgeous woodwind solos, the quality of the whole performance displaying an orchestra of real quality.
By contrast, Sibelius's Karalia Suite was full of vivacity, primary colours and happiness, the cor anglais providing a delightful solo in the Ballade.
Ripon Cathedral
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