Seasons
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra round off their highly successful 2025 season with a feast of English composers; Frank Bridge, Edward Elgar and William Walton!
Conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, whose ability seems to know no bounds, the concert is in expert hands.
The concert begins with Frank Bridge, an English composer and violinist, famous for his expressive compositions. Composed between 1914 and 1915, Summer is considered an early work and is romantic in style with influences from French impressionism (particularly Debussy), and captures the essence of the summer season perfectly.
Summer begins with a flurry of strings and features striking brass solos and magnificent 1st violin solos. It soars, sweeps, and runs the gamut of dynamics. The effect is ethereal and takes one to verdant meadows laden with fragrant blooms. A perfect start to a perfect evening.
Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 is a four-movement work completed in 1919. It is thought to be Elgar’s personal melancholy following World War I. Its structure is unconventional, and features a variety of contrasting moods, from lyrical and meditative to more spirited passages, culminating in a powerful finale that includes a return of the opening theme.
It features internationally celebrated cellist Daniel Müller-Schott who brings his virtuosic talent and personality to the piece, makes the cello ‘sing’, and is truly a master of his instrument.
The first movement, Adagio; Moderato begins with a striking, solo cello passage which sets the scene for the rest of the movement. This is followed by the main theme, a flowing and sorrowful melody, initially presented by the violas before being taken up by the Müller-Schott. It is moving to say the least.
The second movement, Lento; Allegro molto features a fast scherzo that is both plaintive and poignant.
The third movement, Adagio is the heart of the concerto and is slow, meditative, and lyrical featuring an expansive song-like melody which allows Müller-Schott to demonstrate his skill and ability to handle the extreme range of the cello.
The last movement, Allegro; Moderato: Allegro ma non troppo revisits some of the material from the third movement and is forceful, climbing higher and higher, infused with soulful passages and amazing cello passages that soar above the orchestra.
The connection between Wigglesworth and Müller-Schott in this concerto is fascinating to watch. They have a real connection. The timing is faultless and the balance between solo instrument and orchestra is perfect.
Müller-Schott gives his all in this demanding piece, but after well-deserved applause treated us to an encore of Bach, a clever contrast to the previous work and a splendid way to finish the first half.
William Walton's Symphony No. 1 in B♭ minor (marked by the composer’s personal struggles) was composed between 1931 and 1935, with its first performance of the first three movements in 1934 and the premiere of the complete four-movement work in 1935.
It is a powerful and emotionally charged work, often described as a "volcanic eruption of dark, sensual passion".
The first movement, Allegro assai opens with a powerful, obsessive rhythmic ostinato in the strings. It features lyrical flute and first violin solos, strident brass passages and a fast and furious tempo that leads to fortissimo outbursts.
The second movement, Presto con malizia (with malice) features a fast and malicious scherzo which feels like a race, with each section of the orchestra competing for the first place. It also features some amazing timpani work and penetrating woodwind solos.
The third movement, Andante con malinconia is a stark contrast to the preceding movements. It is idyllic, contemplative and features bird-like flute solos intertwined with woodwinds. It is an excellent contrast to the second movement giving the listener a chance to breathe after the previous two movements and an important turning point in the symphony.
The last movement, Maestoso – Brioso ed ardamente - Vivacissimo is epic in scale. Grand and large in a major-key movement that shifts to an upbeat and triumphant mood. It is full of fugue like sections that build to a climax which is a brilliant, thrilling, with a highly theatrical ending, sometimes compared to the pauses at the end of Sibelius's Fifth Symphony.
I cannot speak highly enough of this rendering of Walton’s symphony. It is truly ‘all stops out’ and the orchestra and Mark Wigglesworth dig deep. Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does.
At the conclusion of the piece Wiggleworth was glistening with perspiration from the effort required to bring this orchestral gem to life. Also, the first violinist’s bow had many shredded horsehair filaments, but the beaming smiles on the faces of the whole orchestra was a testament to the effort and talent expended to bring the concert to a jubilant conclusion!
Seasons is a monumental ending to a glorious 2025 ASO season, a night that music lovers of all ages will remember for a long while. Bravo Adelaide Symphony Orchestra!
Barry Hill OAM
Photo credit Christina Lauren
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