Classical review: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Published on Tuesday 1 September 2009 19:18

BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA/RUNNICLES *** USHER HALL, EDINBURGH

IN EVERY sense, this was a quixotic programme by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under its new chief conductor, Donald Runnicles. Literally, of course, in the case of Strauss's Don Quixote, which was the one performance of the evening that elicited something of the true magic we know exists between Runnicles and his Scottish band.

In a work that cries out for vivid characterisation and a certain amount of gung-ho opportunism, playing safe is the soft option. Only occasionally, within the more exposed solo textures, was there a suggestion of timidity, but mostly in this volatile score Runnicles tested its mettle with persuasive zeal.

It also drew greater conviction from cello soloist Jan Vogler than in his earlier paired appearance in Brahms' Double Concerto with violinist Baiba Skride. There was a strange dichotomy in the Brahms that sported robust ensemble playing from the SSO on the one hand, yet an edgy discomfort from the solo duo on the other. That imbalance infected the whole performance.

The concert opened with Webern's remarkable Im Sommerwind, a work so compacted in its expression it sounds like a Mahler symphony being scrolled through at 100mph. You could tell we were in for a slightly neurotic night.