Enthusiastic HSO tackles an ambitious programme

Review by Vivien Willatt 

17 March 2018
The Capitol Horsham

Adams: The Chairman Dances
Haydn: Cello Concerto No.2   (Soloist: Kieran Carter)
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1

Steve Dummer (conductor), Rachel Ellis (leader)

There is something hugely exciting in waiting for a live performance to begin, and the atmosphere in the Capitol Theatre before Horsham Symphony Orchestra’s latest concert was no exception. The programme was ambitious; but with obvious enthusiasm, conductor Steve Dummer gave an excellent introduction to the first piece – The Chairman Dances by John Adams. With a humorous mix of anecdotes and musical background, he promised that we were “in for a treat”, and the HSO certainly did not disappoint. From the insistent driving repetitions of the opening to the lyrical soaring of the upper strings, playing Madam Mao’s sensuous dance melody, perfectly dissected with percussive cross-rhythms, this skilfully executed piece created an almost cinematic soundscape of two distinct cultures butting against one another. The HSO’s young percussionists were outstanding throughout, but the way they created the dying sounds of the gramophone needle at the end of the piece was mesmeric. A memorable performance indeed.

In complete contrast, the second piece presented was Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.2. The orchestra warmly welcomed back one of its own in soloist Kieran Carter. Despite suffering heavily from flu, this talented young performer gave an extremely accomplished performance. There was  beautiful interplay between the soloist and orchestra in the first movement, with sensitive underpinning by the strings. The energetic cadenza, with its tricky double stopping, had the audience gripped. The second movement – my personal favourite – allowed Kieran to demonstrate his more soulful side, particularly in the mellifluous caramel tones of the initial solo – tailing into an ethereal ending. The joyful third movement was a master class in acrobatic fingering; technically demanding, but very assured. Throughout, the orchestral accompaniment was well-rounded and supportive. Kieran Carter is definitely a young musician with a future to watch.

After the interval, we were treated to Shostakovitch Symphony No.1. Shostakovitch has a reputation for being ‘difficult’ to listen to, but again Steve Dummer put us at ease with snippets of information to help us navigate the piece – describing it as a "wild piece, but great fun". The first movement begins with a mischievous interplay between sections, punctuated by sublime solos until an increasing intensity builds to an explosion of percussion. The second movement continues the musical cat and mouse game, developing an eerie melody in the woodwind. It opens up into an epic drama of percussion and brass, perhaps influenced by Shostakovitch’s early experiences accompanying silent films. The third movement changes character again; a haunting oboe melody, exquisitely played, developed by the cello, conveys a deep sense of yearning. Under Steve Dummer’s expert direction, the orchestra gave their all to the stirring discords and swelling refrains, until with a dramatic drum roll, the piece catapulted us into the dazzling rollercoaster of the fourth movement finale. This symphony is a complex intense work, and the HSO did it complete justice. The audience was spellbound, and the tumultuous applause at the end was entirely justified. How fortunate we are, to have such a wealth of musical talent on our doorstep!