Review of the concert on 5th July, 2008

The Mid-Somerset Orchestra Summer Prom Concert “Breakers! Cornwall and the Sea”, dedicated to the memory of Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006)

This was an excellent concert which was enjoyed enormously by the audience. A change from previous Mid-Somerset Orchestra Prom concerts meant little flag waving and throwing of streamers, but I for one was glad to see a different format, and loved the way that the Sea theme was developed.
Dame Ethel Smyth’s “The Wreckers” began the evening. This unusual piece had a good strong opening, and the unison themes were well played with a mellow sound. The strong oboe solo was an example of the strength of the woodwind, whose ensemble was good throughout the evening. Paul Denegri conducted this piece with great energy, as he did the whole programme.
The soloist in Elgar’s “Sea Pictures” was Kathy Taylor–Jones. She performed with enormous confidence, and her eye contact with the audience meant we all listened closely. Her diction was excellent, and she sang “Where Corals lie” superbly. She has a wonderful voice, which has great depth, and this was a highlight for me, not only of the evening, but of the whole season of concerts. The orchestra accompaniment was also excellent, the conductor enabling the dynamics to be well heard. I went to bed hearing the music in my head.
Denegri is obviously a Malcolm Arnold enthusiast. The orchestra played with energy. The trumpets played very strongly, the timpani were accurate, and the atmosphere created in the “Four Cornish Dances” was wonderful, and at times mysterious. The piccolo solo stood out, and the brass were certainly in excellent form. It was good too to have Katherine Arnold, Sir Malcolm’s daughter, there to hear her father’s work.
I sensed that the piece by Sir Arnold Bax “Tintagel” was a challenge for the orchestra. There was a great sense of concentration, and their efforts were well rewarded. The orchestra rose to the piece, and worth particular mention is the mature sound of the violas and the resonating bass notes, both from strings and tuba.
After the “Pomp and Circumstance March No 1”, otherwise known as “Land of Hope and Glory” we were treated to “The Padstow Lifeboat”. Philip Lane’s orchestration of this piece by Sir Malcolm Arnold enabled us to hear this wonderful work played by the full orchestra with vigour and enthusiasm. The foghorn will certainly be remembered, along with other members of the brass section who certainly gave of their best.
“Rule Britannia” and Elgar’s version of “Jerusalem” brought this excellent concert to a conclusion. Well played MSO, well conducted Paul Denegri; you certainly gave us a night to remember.

Liz Smith