Brahms Schumann - A Student Review |
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 Michael joined us for a week-long work placement in June. One of his tasks was to write a review of the Schumann Symphony No.2 performed by the BBC Philharmonic at the Bridgewater Hall. Find out what he had to say...
Schumann’s Symphony No.2
The first movement started with a slow introduction from the brass section. The sudden introduction of the strings’ violent double-dotted melody starts the symphony in the way Schumann intended to continue; violent, dramatic and spectacular.
The second movement, the Scherzo Allegro vivace, is started furiously by the first violins. Again, the theme is continued, and the violins get very little break from their frantic semiquavers. The effect is fantastic: visually as the bows fly across the strings, and the sound produced is phenomenal. The fingers seemed to fly across the violins, all in perfect unison. With the two trios, the tempo changed several times. Here was an example of truly magnificent musicianship, incredible playing skills, and flawless conducting. Whilst the rest of the orchestra played fantastically here, it was the strings that really shone.
Surely the violinists must have been exhausted, as I was, just from listening to it. So the Adagio espressivo was indeed a break. The soaring melody from the violins had superb harmonic colour, and the richness of the full orchestra’s sound was clearly shown here. With inspiration from great pieces, such as Beethoven’s An die ferne Geliebte and Ode to Joy, this movement is truly beautiful. The ‘question and answer’ sections between the wind and the strings have some unusual harmonies, yet fit with the rest of the piece perfectly. This piece is definitely the quiet before…
…the storm. The violins play even faster than in the second movement. The brass play majestically and the wind trill high above. Themes from all three movements reoccur, to wrap up this symphony perfectly. As the symphony draws to a close, the Timpanist plays the part of his dreams, with a crescendo to end an incredible symphony. This was a huge to credit to all the players’ potential, and a tribute to an amazing orchestral performance
Read more reviews by Lawrence and Jessica
Find out more about the Brahms Schumann Cycle
More Student Diaries
BBC Philharmonic Work Shadowing Home
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For further information please contact:
BBC Philharmonic,
New Broadcasting House,
Oxford Road,
Manchester, M60 1SJ
Email: philharmonic@bbc.co.uk
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