The summer concert of Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra at St James' Church on Saturday June 24 began with a lively performance of Rossini's overture to The Barber of Seville. Our attention was arrested from the first majestic chords, through the lighthearted allegro and huge animated crescendo to the sparkling coda.
Next came a sensitive performance of The Walk to the Paradise Garden by Delius. It featured beautiful woodwind solos followed by bolder statements of the theme drifting away in an elongated cadence.
A young local musician, Peter Brooks, then joined the orchestra to play Elgar's Romance for bassoon and orchestra. He performed this lyrical work with confidence and competence being sympathetically accompanied by the orchestra. Peter is to further his studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff.
Four movements of Faure's suite Masques and Bergamasques followed: an energetic overture, a prim minuet, a lively gavotte and a delicate pastorale, all played with emotion.
The orchestra gave an impressive performance of Brahms' Symphony No 4 in E minor. In the first movement the sweeping phrases and contrasting dynamics were played with tremendous energy. The more pastoral mood of the second movement was introduced beautifully by the first horn, followed by eloquent woodwind passages supported by rich orchestral playing. In contrast a lively third movement bounced along, ending abruptly with fortissimo chords. The grand last movement was performed with all the energy and exhilaration it demands.
The conductor, Philip Draisey was sympathetic to each section of the orchestra and showed masterly control of the whole.