The Philadelphia Orchestra proved to live up to its reputation from this first night at the Festival. The performance began with a rather booming entrance, which then gradually flowed towards melodic serenity. As the orchestra moved on to their second and third numbers, it proved harder to resist becoming fully absorbed into the dream-like ambience created by their liquid harmony. Best of all were the piccolo solos in ‘Ma mère l’oye’, which masterfully captured the fairytale essence associated with 20th century composer, Maurice Ravel. Time did seem to slow down during some of the lengthier pieces, but that simply meant more entertainment for the large majority of the audience, who appeared completely rapt as the night drew to an end.
Usher Hall, 30 Aug, 8.00pm (10.00pm), £12.00 – £42.00, eifpp37.
tw rating 4/5
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Sections: by Maryam Ansari - ED2011 Music Reviews - tw rating 4/5 | Tags: Philadelphia Orchestra, Usher Hall
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