Joseph Haydn's The Seasons was an ideal choice for a grand finale to the 175th series of St Andrew's Hall concerts by the Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.
Conducted by David Dunnett, 60 instrumentalists and twice as many singers combined with three fine soloists, Cecilia Osmond, Mark Dobell and Jonathan Brown.
The performance had impressive power in climaxes praising God and imagination in details depicting nature and the life of country-folk at different times of the year.
After atmospheric orchestral introductions to each part of the oratorio came vivid episodes - a glorious sunrise, a dramatic thunderstorm and, for contrast, a vivid hunting scene with horns calling. A cheerful gathering at an inn with villagers quaffing wine and a hymn of thanks concluded a thoroughly enjoyable performance of this historic work.
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