BBCNOW/Bloch/Eberle review – this was a fun and beguiling concert | Classical music

OhIn his eyes, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, the opening work for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales concert, would have seemed unusual. A soloist Veronika Eberle quickly proved it otherwise. A clean, clean, linear tone and a respectful, unhurried approach set him apart from the start. Contact with the conductor Alexandre Bloch it was clear and, within the deep Larghetto, the song was filled with serenity.

But what made a difference here was Eberle’s use of new cadenzas in all three groups, boldly commissioned by his German colleague, Jörg Widmann. Widmann realized the balance between the expected ideals and the imaginative, flexible, essential references to Beethoven’s regular motifs. In addition, bringing in the first timpanist and then the main double bass to accompany the soloist threw some elements into the big mix, with Tom Aldren – leading the orchestra on this project – and playing with Eberle. Just looking at the distractions – the distractions that made up the already long concert – would have been annoying, but, the boldness and vibrancy that meant an enjoyable listen.

BBCNOW’s cast has to show good character and have their own moments on display in George Benjamin’s Concerto for Orchestra. A heartfelt tribute to the genius of Benjamin’s best friend and collaborator, the late Oliver Knussen, this 18-minute piece was written for the crack group that is the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. But there was no compromise on technology here. The ear was seduced by the beauty and complexity of the composition, especially in wood and brass, with the unusual popularity of solo lines for the tuba, two timpanists and, finally, the first violins that provide humor, playing in the incomparable spirit of Knussen.

Richard Strauss’s tone poem Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration) brought the evening to a thrilling climax. Bloch, whose dynamic performance combines detail and expansive hands, inspired a performance that was captivating and captivating, emphasizing the extraordinary vision of the 25-year-old Strauss. It was a great night for timpanist Steven Barnard, all players clearly in their respective groups.