Bravo to BSO

ALTHOUGH the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are based in the proverbial British seaside town, under the baton of Marin Alsop they are anything but provincial.

Ms Alsop has been principal conductor with the orchestra for just a year. Conductor and players have had time to get to know one another and obviously like being together.

Ms Alsop conducts with her whole being - nodding head, animated features, as well as the traditional baton.

She is not afraid to lead the orchestra where she wishes it to go - and they happily follow with stunning results.

The concert opened with Barber's Symphony No.1. Barber is more usually associated with the Adagio for Strings and it was good to hear one of his other works performed.

Originally written in 1935, and revised in 1943, this was an unusual choice for a concert opening. The work is played as a single-movement, based around three themes, and is full of vigour and energy. It includes some wonderful woodwind playing, particularly the evocative oboe.

The Piano Concerto No. 2 by Liszt, with soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, followed. Mr Thibaudet gave a virtuoso performance that the audience applauded almost loudly enough to raise the roof.

After the interval came the Symphony No. 4 by Brahms - full of life and urgency. In an orchestra, the strings are usually busy most of the time while other players must sit patiently 'til they put in an appearance.

I must commend the patience of the triangle and contra-bassoon players who sat quietly, awaiting their brief moment, but which had so much impact on the performance.

Ms Alsop and her orchestra gave a tremendous concert - bravo.