Todmorden Orchestra made an offer their spring concert would be a splendid mix of music from a dedicated group of musicians - and we would go away from the concert in a happy and optimistic mood.
The offer was accepted by
a pleasingly large audience at Todmorden Town Hall and I am convinced the
majority would confirm the orchestra kept its promise, if enthusiastic applause
was an indicator. Any performance, be it vocal or instrumental, must get off
to a good start to put the listener at ease. This task was given to the brass
in the opening overture Ruy Blas - and they succeeded. This colourful piece
can easily be described as typical Mendelssohn. The appearance of cello soloist
John Parsons was greated with eager anticipation, as he took to the stage
to play the wonderful Elgar Cello Concerto. Again, first impressions are important
and the confidence, competence and obvious enjoyment at sharing his talent
with the orchestra and listener, where the characteristics combined to produce
those special moments that only live performance can achieve. He had excellent
support form the orchestra, but thanks should also be given to the emergency
services who kept their sirens quiet and the audience (not a single cough)
during the exquisite adagio movement. Perhaps that praise should be extended
to the local doctor! I hope John enjoyed his appearance in Todmorden - his
performance was certainly appreciated by the audience. The full orchestra
was then allowed to demonstrate their all-round abilities in the tone poem
En Sage by Sibelius. The strings, woodwind and brass all had their moments
of glory - especially clarinetist Lesley Alston, and any critic looking for
blemishes should be pointed to the colour, contrast, power and subtlety of
this performance of the music of Finland's great composer. Dvorak's Czech
Suite required a smaller orchestra, with the necessary need for careful ensemble,
and a well controlled performance of a variety of dances and folk melodies
ended with a rousing and furious finale. Nicholas Concannon Hodgges conducts
in a simple style were histrionics are not an option, but this direction was
immaculate and he only allowed any indulgence where the score demanded it.
Sympathetic to the soloist, with clear indications to the players, he contributed
to an outstanding evening of music - music tyupical of four popular composers
- and a high quality performance typical of Todmorden Orchestra. But the final
word of praise goes to Andrew Rostron. often called the unsung hero, this
modest and unassuming violinist has given magnificent service as leader to
the orchestra and the Choral Society and his excellence should not go unnoticed.
Comments to the webmaster; Last updated 22.10.2007
