The Halle at Bridgewater Hall Manchester Review
The Halle
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
22 October 2015
Reviewed by Ann Durrell
This was Ryan Wigglesworth’s first concert as The Halle’s Principle Guest Conductor and comprised of three works, Mozarts Sympony No.35 K385 ‘Haffner, Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Uk premier of Piano Concerto (2013) and Stravinsky’s The Rite Of Spring.
The first performance was Mozart’s Symphony no.35 which comprises of four parts, Allegro con spirito, Andante, Menuetto-Trio and finally Presto. I was transfixed by the Ryan Wigglesworth’s conducting of the orchestra, he skilfully guided them to bring out the gentleness of the score then compelled them to fulfil the speed and power to which sections were intended to be played. During ‘Adante’, which is predominantly strings, listening to the violins play was like listening to bird song, very relaxing. At times it felt almost as if you could see the conductor caressing notes in the air during the softer movements, it was simply beautiful and you could have heard a pin drop in the audience whose eyes were glued to the stage.
The second performance of the evening was the UK premier of Mark Anthony Turnage’s Piano Concerto. This was an altogether different experience from the first piece. The Concerto is made up of three movements, Rondo-Variations, Last Lullaby for Hans and A Grotesque Burlesque. I admit that modern classical music is not really my cup of tea but Turnage is definitely a very talented composer. Following the Mozart symphony I was totally relaxed and I was awoken from this state with a sharp shock when Rondo-Variations began. I found it slightly confusing as there seemed to be a lot going on. The piano would play then the orchestra would echo the notes, it found it strangely both segmented but overlapping and to be had the feeling of a 70’s style of music. I was relieved when it slowed down but that did not last long. During last lullaby the piano playing was aggressive, full of drama with notes left hanging in the air. The bells and cowbells in this movement were too much for me. The final section ‘A Grotesque Burlesque’ picked up pace again. It came across as a hybrid mix of classical, jazz and Latino, parts reminded me of west side story and Gershwin. Marc-Andre Hamelin, who the work was written for is exceptional on the Piano, as were the Halle and Ryan Wigglesworth conducting, it’s just not the sort of music that I enjoy but I can appreciate the skill behind its composition.
Finally was Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, a ballet which on its opening in Paris led to a near riot due to its Pagan scenes. There was no dancing here, so no riots thankfully! Just the Halle giving an outstanding performance. It felt like the musical equivalent of spending a day in the spa, I could just close my eyes and let the music wash over me. That is until the return of the strings played in a more aggressive manor accompanied by horns and woodwind. The sound of the Alto Flute sure The Rite was probably my favourite, such a soothing sound. The brass section were also stand out, at times so gentle that you almost could have mistaken them for Flutes.
A trip to the Bridgwater Hall to see the Halle I think is a must for everyone and if you have the opportunity to do so whilst Ryan Wigglesworth is conducting you will certainly enjoy your evening.
Rating: 4/5
For more information visit www.halle.co.uk.
For other shows at The Bridgewater Hall visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk.
The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS | 0161 907 9000
