Hearing the Pictures

Review by Vivien Willatt

3 February 2019
The Capitol, Horsham
Film Concert

Always keen to explore new territory, Horsham Symphony Orchestra’s recent teatime concert certainly lived up to its billing as a “Film Music Spectacular”. Hosted by the knowledgeable composer /performer Neil Brand, the all-age capacity audience was treated to an innovative programme that included some well-known film music, and a simultaneous performance accompanying a showing of Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 film, Easy Street.

The entertainment began with the ‘Belles of St Trinian’s Comedy Suite’ by Malcolm Arnold (arr. Palmer); a sparkling set of musical vignettes capturing the irrepressible essence of the St Trinian’s ‘Hellyons’. Several members of the orchestra dressed up in tribute, to add to the fun. Neil Brand became one half of the accomplished piano duet, in a performance that showcased HSO’s talented young percussionists.

A change of mood transported us into Ron Goodwin’s Suite ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’. Neil Brand encouraged us to “hear the pictures” - the different nationalities of the pilots, the sensation of being airborne - all drawn out of the orchestra so effectively by conductor Steve Dummer, that it had the musical precision of an aerobatic display.

Klaus Badelt’s ‘Curse of the Black Pearl Medley’ (arr. Ricketts), from the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, brought the first half to a suitably dramatic close. A fast-paced piece, driving string rhythms opened out into the well-known theme, and an expertly played trumpet solo. Tight percussion heightened the tension, sweeping the piece to its powerful conclusion and well-deserved rapturous applause.

The second half was a real coup for HSO, as they played Neil Brand’s score to accompany the special screening of Charlie Chaplin’s film, Easy Street. This was not an easy undertaking, but Steve Dummer displayed his extraordinary musical direction skills yet again, as he seamlessly synched the orchestral playing to the film action, with impeccable timing and great sensitivity. Neil Brand’s score was in turns comedic, tender, dramatic – in perfect keeping with both the story and Chaplin’s character. HSO did this score great justice, as evidenced by the tremendous outpouring of applause at the end. We are so fortunate to have this calibre of musicianship and musical collaboration here in Horsham, and I for one, cannot wait to see what they will do next.