CHRISTOPHER SMITH Norwich Cathedral
CHRISTOPHER SMITH
> Norwich Cathedral
The vitality, verve and sheer delight in instrumental sound were characteristic of this stirring concert by the UEA Symphony Orchestra under Sharon Choa and led by Ali Milnes, as it opened its programme with the Leonora No 2 Overture. If the textures were not always crystal clear, there were compensations in the ready response to Beethoven's stirring emotions, and the celebrated trumpet calls rang out with thrilling clarity.
Stephen Gilbey was the soloist in Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. Even in tone, neat in ornamental detail and sustaining his melodic line, he gave an interpretation that was assured and confident.
The orchestra, occasionally a little too ebullient in accompaniment, came into its own in Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. The first movement alone offered a great range of feelings to capture the sense of stormy conflicts between differing attitudes. The finale was fiery and thrilling as it reached its climax - the players stayed the course, storming home with resonant horns and the clash of cymbals.
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