Orchestra of the Swan review - From the tuneful to the thunderous in Romantic style

Who are the Romantic composers, asks orchestra leader David Le Page? Schubert, Schumann, Chopin and Liszt are a few of those most established. It is possibly stretching a point to include Sibelius; however, according to Le Page the Romantic period can be stretched! This ‘Romantic Horizons’ concert featured works by Chopin, Sibelius and Johann Strauss the Younger who created Die Fledermaus, a magnificent operetta, a brilliantly clever commentary on Viennese moral laxity. Full of tuneful music, the overture is the perfect opening to the comedy. As a special treat the 17 orchestra players were joined by 13 student members of Warwick Schools Foundation.

And what a treat! Just watch the musical progress of Margarita Monkhouse, a keen percussion player; she must have a bright future. The efforts of double bass player Oscar Farnell and oboist Tamsin Morrison were notable, too. It was not difficult to imagine the playful deceptions which predominate the opera from their sparklingly attractive playing.

The event benefited from a sprinkling of guest artists; conductor Bruce O’Neil was back in charge and there was a very welcome appearance by pianist Viv McLean to play the second of the two Chopin’s Piano Concertos, No. 2 in F minor (apparently composed before his No. 1). With the small ensemble of 17 players in support, McLean enjoyed considerable freedom to express himself, which he did with charm and intelligence in spades in the second movement, a movement full of deeply felt emotion. His careful removal of fluff from the keyboard during the ensemble’s introductory bars will be remembered by many!

Could Le Page’s 16 colleagues deliver Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, a work from the stretched Romantic period? Simon Rattle’s memorable recordings with CBSO and Philharmonia required up to 80 players. Le Page found the solution: there is a chamber orchestra version created by British composer, Iain Farrington; and it works as a fine example of “managing more with less”! Clever brass interventions, a few shimmering strings and occasional use of telling rallentando bringing the work to its dramatic thunderous chords ending.

The concert took place on October 15. Visit orchestraoftheswan.org for details of future concerts by the orchestra.