From Russia with passion

Russian Classics, Halle Orchestra, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.
IF this exciting concert from the Halle’s Christmas and New Year programme is anything to judge by, then the next couple of weeks promise to bring something very special.

With just four pieces performed throughout the evening, this class set of musicians gave a tremendous performance under the exacting baton of the Halle’s assistant conductor, Andrew Gourlay.

But the biggest treat came from pianist Alexander Romanovsky, who, recognised for his musical sensitivity, technical flair and passion, brought instant life to Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

The music is one of the composer’s best-loved masterpieces, and instantly recognisable as the poignant soundtrack to the timeless classic “Brief Encounter.”

Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky, who are among the greatest of Russian composers, were all honoured in a concert which aimed to bring the best of Russian music to Manchester.

The concert began with “A Night on the Bare Mountain,” in which the haunting bell of the little village church is clearly heard.

Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy-Overture from “Romeo and Juliet” completed a very short first half, with the interval coming just 30 minutes after the start.

But what a second half. It exploded into action with Romanovsky taking centre stage at the grand piano, in a fabulous piece which lasted around 40 minutes, and had the audience in raptures as this celebrated pianist, who has performed all over the world, returned to the stage time and time again to accept his applause.

It was Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” played as a mainstay of classical extravaganzas the world over, which brought a spellbinding, exhilarating and mesmerising concert to a close.

If you fancy a musical treat over the festive season, there is still time to check out the packed programme of Christmas and New Year concerts on offer from the Halle Orchestra at its Bridgewater Hall home.