A mere five-minute walk from London’s Waterloo Station, overlooking the river Thames, stands the Royal Festival Hall. This is where the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra deliver some of their magnificent concerts. Their latest in a packed programme of concerts enchanted us with Glazunov – Concert Waltz No. 1,Tchaikovsky’s – Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances. Glazunov’s Concert Waltz, is not often performed, so was something of a treat.
The stage was packed with strings, so much so, that I doubt there was space left, for so much as a single triangle, but goodness wasn’t it worth it? The music, so beautiful, even I believed that I could waltz. Sweeping sensual music enveloped the audience and soon we were transported in a dreamlike state, the bows of the string section, swaying in unison like blades of corn, caught by the breeze. Blissful.
All too soon the music, reached a crescendo, and then there was a few minutes for the delighted audience to take stock of what we had just heard, whilst a large section of the strings left the stage, to be replaced by a grand piano, as we prepared to listen to what might be described as a stellar performance by a true virtuoso of Tchaikovsky’s – Piano Concerto No. 1
Boris Giltburg c Chris Gloag
Boris Giltburg is a genius by any measure, and we were privileged to watch him perform his magic at such close range. Swooping over the keys, nose at times hovering just above the keys, this was a rare opportunity to see him tease and coax the notes from his piano. The piece, instantly recognisable, but the playing transcending any familiarity. It was like hearing it for the first time. At times, Giltberg’s fingers were a blur as they flew over the keys, at other time slow deliberate movements, but always mesmerising.
The applause said it all, and we were rewarded with an all too short encore, all this and we were only just at the interval. I should confess that I was unaware of Symphonic Dances, but I was pleased to have my musical education broadened. The piece was composed towards the end of Rachmaninov’s life, his last major piece was written in 1940.
The first movement is a forceful stylised march with brief powerful explosive elements. The middle section is much slower than the first movement with a languorous melody moving from elegance to melodic warmth. Hauntingly gentle, what I would call soul nourishing music. How could I not have come across this piece earlier? The final movement has a slow sombre introduction building a degree of urgency as the music rises and falls, building anticipation with frenetic percussion, and I was not alone to be disappointed, when all too quickly it drew to a close.
Juraj Valcuha conducted with brio and animation, demonstrating taut control, like the ultimate puppet master, bringing out the very best of a fantastically talented orchestra.
If you are near London, I would heartily recommend that you check out the concerts below, and if you are not perhaps this is a good time to plan that trip.
Fri 21 Feb 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall No composer tells a story quite like Richard Strauss – or paints a picture in more fabulous sounds. So when he set out to depict the majesty of the Bavarian Alps, the results are spectacular.
Repertoire
Tania León – Pasajes
Grieg – Piano Concerto
R Strauss – An Alpine Symphony
Pre-concert event: In this free performance, LPO Junior Artists perform alongside Orchestra members, Foyle Future Firsts and Junior Artist alumni in a celebration of vibrant young talent.
Sat 22 Feb 2025, 6.30pm – St John’s Church, Waterloo. Time becomes space, sounds become colours and shapes, and the classical elegance of St John’s Waterloo floods with emotion that’s real enough to touch. It doesn’t take much: just the voices of the New London Chamber Choir and a handful of musicians who believe in every note.
Repertoire
Andrew Norman – The Companion Guide to Rome
Feldman – Rothko Chapel
Wed 26 Feb 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. Love, witchcraft, severed heads – it’s all here, painted in psychedelic colours by a supersized orchestra. Superb violinist Augustin Hadelich sets the scene with Britten’s powerful Violin Concerto, also including the world premiere of Sphinx by David Sawer.
Repertoire
David Sawer – Sphinx (world premiere)
Britten- Violin Concerto
Berlioz – Symphonie fantastique