0
175 years previously to the day, in Mr Lassell’s Saloon on Great Richmond Street in Everton, Liverpool, an institution that was to become the oldest and amongst the greatest of such societies in world music was founded.
That institution was The Liverpool Philharmonic Society and what has endured throughout their existence is the pursuit of excellence, the passion for their craft and the delight of their audience.
So, with this in mind, it is reassuring – though probably superfluous – to report that on March 12, 2015, not one of these criteria have changed as this is an orchestra that not only commands respect, it also thrills at every outing no matter the fare they are performing.
Yet, with this being such an auspicious occasion, the fare on offer this evening could hardly be bettered, as these two works are as enduring as The Liverpool Philharmonic Society itself.
Die erste Walurisnacht (The First Walpurgis – or May Day Eve – night) was written by Felix Mendelssohn in 1843 so as to celebrate when, according to German legend, the witches and devils came out to dance on the Brocken Peak of the Harz Mountains.
The cantata has lost none of its energy and the manner in which Vasily Petrenko manages to squeeze every ounce of fervour from the piece, his orchestra, choir and soloists is breathtaking in the extreme.
And this, in many ways, this was going to take something extraordinarily special to beat and, with Beethoven: Symphony #9 ‘Choral’ next on the post-interval agenda, if not particularly beaten, then it is certainly matched in its gusto, electricity, command and downright enthusiasm.
An die Freude (Ode to Joy) is arguably the most evocative movement ever to have been performed. Yet in the hands of The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir at full tilt, the work as whole takes the audience to a whole new level of intoxication, so that by its euphoric culmination, we in the seats are left as close to being ecstatically exhausted as those stalwarts performing.
Classic FM could hardly have chosen two finer examples to demonstrate what it is that makes The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir so special by broadcasting the concert live to the nation and beyond.
For those of who live on Merseyside, The Royal Philharmonic Society and everything that goes with it is an institution that should – and doubtlessly will – be treasured for a further 175 years at least, so that the unmitigated joy that it brings to its audiences can be sustained for as long as there is magnificent music to be played.
Bravo indeed and a Very Happy Birthday!
Liverpool Philharmonic: Celebrating 175 years
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
March 12 & March 14
Mendelssohn: Die erste Walurisnacht
Beethoven: Symphony #9 ‘Choral’
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (Leader: Thelma Hardy)
The Royal Philharmonic Choir (Chorusmaster: ian Tracey)
Conductor: Vasily Petrenko
Soloists: Claire Rutter (soprano) Kathryn Rudge (mezzo-soprano), Bryan Register (tenor), Andreas Scheiber (baritone)
Running Time: 2 hrs 15 minutes
PR Rating: ***** CELEBRATORY SPLENDOUR