Bath Philharmonia: Bath Abbey

Friday 4th July 2008

This is a Crackerjack review of Bath Philharmonia. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 7 / 10.

The unusual mix of this programme moved the emphasis away from the orchestra and on to two pairs of soloists, one vocal, the other instrumental.

Of the many settings of Stabat Mater, which so beautifully tells of the suffering Jesus' mother underwent during his crucifixion, it was the one by Pergolesi that Mezzo Sarah Connelly and Soprano Rebecca Ryan chose to present.

Sometimes the more experienced partner in such a pairing becomes over dominant & upsets the balance of the work. It was therefore particularly pleasing to see Sarah Connelly making a true partnership with Rebecca Ryan and in doing so bringing out the full range of emotions within the words.

The pain, despair and final triumph were given equal measure by these two finely controlled voices.

Another good pairing Ian Mullin and Suzanne Willison-Kawalec came together for Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto. Understated in their playing & never fighting one another to be the centre of attention neither looked under any strain at all as they produced the delicate tones needed for Mozart's tuneful concerto.

Both pairs of soloists found ready allies in conductor Jason Thornton and the orchestra. They had their brief moment under the spotlight with Gluck's Dance of the Furies complete with a thunder sheet.

Gerry Parker

This is a Crackerjack review of Bath Philharmonia. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.