Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra

St James' Parish Church was the venue for the autumn concert of Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra last Saturday evening.

Under the baton of its new conductor, Philip Draisey, the concert began with Beethoven's Overture Coriolan. From the first arresting chords depicting the stubborn Coriolanus through to the flowing melodies of his pleading family, to the final submission and suicide, the orchestra gave a dramatic interpretation.

There followed the little known Serenade No 2 in A by Brahms, an unusual work in that it includes no violins. The result was a mellow string accompaniment to the woodwind and horns. There were five contrasting movements, the second and fourth requiring demanding tempi, stretching the limits of the players.

However, the overall effect was excellent.

The second half of the concert was devoted to Beethoven's Eroica Symphony. This gargantuan work demanded tremendous stamina from both conductor and players and they gave a most impressive performance. In the first movement there was good contrast between the boisterous sections and the calmer moments.

In the Funeral March there was careful attention to dynamics and beautiful performances of woodwind soles. The Scherzo bounced along at an exuberant tempo. Every section shone in turn in the Finale, especially the oboe in her beautifully executed solo. This mammoth work ended with a triumphant tutti.

Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra is certainly responding well to the sensitive and energetic leadership of its new conductor who directed the entire programme without a score.

Marion Buckler