ConcertPulse
Filters
A cleverly woven programme in which demise comes first: Sir Simon Rattle begins by letting Tristan and Isolde “lament, drown, and sink” in their “swelling, welling, resounding, flowing, urgent, vibrant” yearning for love. However, this sensation that has been transposed into music by Wagner along with its obsessive tragedy finally dissolves into the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere of birdsong, the babbling of a brook, footsteps, and a cleansing thunderstorm: Beethoven’s Pastoral transforms the walk of a city dweller in nature into an onomatopoeic experience and is thus decidedly reminiscent of Rattle’s inaugural concert as Chief Conductor that featured Haydn’s Creation. Between breathtaking harmonies and an intimate finale lies a substantial new orchestral work by Thomas Adès, composed for the 75th anniversary of the BRSO. Greatness in every respect.