Review: Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Enchanting

WHAT a superbly balanced, enchanting evening's concert with soloists and orchestra directed with quiet authority from the harpsichord and fortepiano by Kristian Bezuidenhout.
By Andrew Tod
Published 4th Mar 2020, 14:25 BST
Updated 4th Mar 2020, 14:38 BST
SCOSCO
SCO

QUEEN'S HALL, Clerk Street

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Papa, Haydn's Symphony No 52 introduced the customary appreciative Scottish Chamber Orchestra audience to some of the drama that characterises Beethoven Triple Concerto, the centrepiece of this well-crafted programme, designed as part of the celebrations commemorating the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his birth.

It was worth reminding ourselves that young Ludwig had been taught by Haydn at the Esterhazy Court in 1792.

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At the heart of the programme, of course, was the majestic Triple Concerto, the first work to display the virtuosity of these three instruments together, enabling the soloists to display their skills in a combination of solo, chamber and full-blooded orchestral playing.

Kristian Bezuidenhout, on the fortepiano, was joined by principal First Violin, Benjamin Marquise Bilmore, and Philip Higham, principal cellist, who received his early ​musical training in Edinburgh at St Mary's Music School. Few of the sell-out audience will have had the chance to hear this monumental masterpiece, and judging by their enthusiastic reaction to this memorable performance by the talented soloists and an orchestra at the height of its powers, they will not miss the next time it is to grace a programme here.

The second half consisted of a soothing rendering of Mozart's masterpiece, his late symphony, No 38, universally known after the city so close to his heart, Prague.

Conductor and Orchestra, who had been at the top of their form throughout this memorable evening, fully deserved their standing ovation at the end of another five star concert. What a season this has been for the S.C.O.