Alison CrooseKing's Lynn Corn ExchangeAlison Croose

King's Lynn Corn Exchange

An ambitious programme of music by Russian composers guaranteed a concert full of drama and passion.

As conductor Alexander Walker moves into his second year with the NSO he is making big demands of the musicians in selecting such a challenging work as Stravinsky's orchestral suite, The Firebird.

The suite follows the plan of the ballet and its colourful and complex orchestration introduces the supernatural sounds of magical creatures.

Stravinsky's folk-like melodies were in contrast to Mussorgsky's Songs and Dances of Death performed by mezzo-soprano Fiona Kimm. The soloist gave an impressive and highly dramatic rendition in Russian of the four songs which deal with death in a poetic manner.

The three featured works were cleverly linked as Rimsky-Korsakov - whose Scheherazade completed the programme - used the same techniques as Stravinsky, and had set two of Mussorgsky's songs.

Scheherazade, inspired by the Tales of a Thousand and One Nights, made a relaxing contrast to the previous works with its delightful themes conjuring up a magical atmosphere.

The orchestra used all its skill and power in the exciting final movement to end a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting concert with a glorious finale.