In this latest terrific concert by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (ABO), the program for the evening consisted of four works, concentrating on the Classical period.
The concert began with a rarely heard Sinfonia by Mozart’s friend Christian Cannabich, who led the renowned Mannheim court orchestra which was to the 18th century what the Berlin Philharmonic is to today. Then there were two works by Mozart, and a Haydn cello concerto, superbly played by ABO principal Jamie Hey.
The Orchestra had as many composers as players in their ensemble and it set the standard for others to follow, increasing the orchestral range and nuance by their introduction of innovative bowing techniques and the use of rhythm and ascending climaxes which became known as the “Mannheim Rocket”.
The entire ABO was in fine, golden form as energetically led by the very enthusiastic Paul Dyer who was close to dancing whilst conducting on fortepiano.
The concert began with the rarely heard Sinfonia in E-Flat major by Cannabich that gave the concert a brisk, emphatic, sprightly start.
Then came Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major, Hob.VIIb:1 with ABO soloist Jamie Hey on period cello playing with great articulateness and polish.
Hey is regarded as one of, if not the leading, Australian Baroque cellists. Hey on the cello with its golden tone had an authoritative voice that shimmered gracefully, was at times lyrical and heartfelt at other times tempestuous, The encore, the prelude from the first Bach cello suite, was also rapturously received, with umpteen curtain calls, much cheering and tumultuous applause.
After interval one of the highlights was an octet, co-led by clarinetist Craig Hill and oboist Emma Black, vibrantly performing excerpts from Mozart’s opera Abduction from the Seraglio. Their performance was bright and boisterous, pulsating with its underlying melodies. At times, the music was lilting and soaring. and creeping. The final section opened blisteringly fast. There were cheers and whistles and ecstatic applause at the end which was very richly deserved.
The final listed work was Mozart’s Concerto for Horn No. 4 in E flat major K495 with special guest soloist internationally renowned Belgian Bart Aerbeydt. who performed with elegant panache and aplomb and at times amazing speed on the very tricky, valveless Baroque horn where the slightest off note is extremely obvious. (In discussion with Dyer before the performance we learnt that all Aerbeydt had to work with was the deft use of his fist in the horn’s bell to get the chromatic “bent” notes, quickly altering mouth positions and a very fit and athletic diaphragm to produce his thrilling playing.
The first movement began sprightly and was rather filigree and delicate, the second movement was slower and more thoughtful with the horn dominant with the rest of the Orchestra hushed and supportive, the third movement with surging strings galloped breathlessly with a showy solo for Aerbeydt that led to the joyous, rather frenetic finale .
For an encore we heard Anton Reicha’s flowing, teasing Canon No. 3 from 24 Horn Trios – Op 82 with Aerbeydt accompanied by Darryl Poulson and Doree Dixon of the ABO.
Running time roughly 2 hours 15 minutes including interval.
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s Haydn Mozart and Friends played at the City Recital Hall and in Melbourne on various dates between the 13th and the 23rd September 2017.
PROGRAM
Cannabich Sinfonia in E-Flat major
Haydn Cello Concerto in C major, Hob.VIIb:1
Mozart Harmoniemusik of Die Entführung aus dem Serail
Mozart Concerto for Horn No. 4 in E flat major K495