Royal Academy of Music Chamber Ensemble
Trevor Pinnock conductor
Runette Botha soprano
Haydn (arr. Salomon) Symphony Quintetto (after Symphony No. 101 The Clock) for flute, string quartet and piano (ed. Christopher Hogwood)
Mahler (arr. Stein) Symphony No. 4 in G
This was quite simply a delightful concert.
The juxtaposition of these two pared-down symphonies was a brilliant idea superbly executed. Trevor Pinnock, as fortepianist/director in the Haydn, and then as conductor in the Mahler communicated energy, enthusiasm and natural phrasing to the RAM students. He brought a smile to the Haydn and pathos and beauty to the Mahler.
All the members of the RAM ensemble played wonderfully throughout, but two players who kept the sensuous long lines of Mahler unfailingly interesting were oboist Amy Hargrave and violinist Katie Littlemore.
