CLASSICAL SOURCE
The Overture to Egmont is a tricky number to start unanimously, as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Pinchas Zukerman demonstrated. When settled this nominally dramatic opener hung fire somewhat, rather contemplative if musically observant regarding detail and dynamics (typically); short on theatre as the whole was though, it meant that the triumphant coda became more of a Pyrrhic victory.
HENLEY STANDARD
LAST Sunday, consistent with their adventurous classical music programming, the Hexagon in Reading hosted one of the great London orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic, in its 70th anniversary season — and, in his eighth season as principal guest conductor, one of the greatest violin virtuosi, Pinchas Zukerman.
ON: YORKSHIRE MAGAZINE
When you host a John Williams concert, choosing which tracks go into the running time is a tricky choice.
Obviously, the main themes from Star Wars, Superman, Jaws, ET, and Raiders of the Lost Ark are high on the list. As are Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. It’s the sort of track list you’d find on ‘Now That’s What I Call John Williams’ Greatest Hits’.
CLASSICAL SOURCE
Allocating this critic a seat in the Gallery of Cadogan Hall for a concert of music by Sibelius and Prokofiev, to be greeted by a leaflet headed “Octava – Enriching your concert experience” by means of using your mobile phone to read the programme note – while the music is being played – is rather like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop.
