A neglected Schubert masterpiece from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

By David Smythe, 01 December 2023

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“masses can be solemn affairs, but while this work is reverential, it is also joyously uplifting”

Reviewed at Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, Edinburgh on 30 November 2023

Mendelssohn, Verleih uns Frieden

Bach, Concerto in C minor for 2 violins BWV 1060R

Schumann, Nachtlied, Op.108

Schubert, Mass no. 5 in A flat major, D.678

Stephanie Gonley, Director, Violin

Marcus Barcham Stevens, Violin

Ruby Hughes, Soprano

Idunnu Münch, Soprano

Thomas Walker, Tenor

Ashley Riches, Baritone

SCO Chorus

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Gregory Batsleer, Conductor

Saxophone dreams with Jess Gillam and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

David Smythe, 11th March

Jess Gillom and Scottish Chamber Orchestra in St Andrews in a wide-ranging programme of contemporary music. Ben Glassberg conducts.

****1

Baroque inspirations from Emelyanychev and the SCO

David Smythe, 20th February

Maxim Emelyanychev and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra offer a Baroque-inspired programme of Bach, Handel, Britten, a modern take on Scarlatti and wonderfully zany Schnittke.

****1

Maxim Emelyanychev and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra reshape Mozart

David Smythe, 29th January

In Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Mozart’s final three symphonies are given a vibrant interpretation by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by the effervescent Maxim Emelyanychev.

****1

Gnarly Buttons central to the SCO’s John Adams programme

David Smythe, 12th December

Andrew Manze conducts an all-Adams programme in Glasgow, Maximiliano Martín the fearless soloist in Gnarly Buttons, bookended by mesmerising Shaker Loops and exuberant Fearful Symmetries.

****1

Reich+ from Colin Currie and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

David Smythe, 6th November

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Colin Currie fizz with energy in Duddell, Grime and Steve Reich.

****1

A tale of two Glorias: Poulenc and Vivaldi with the SCO in Edinburgh

Simon Thompson, 9th October

Three sopranos, two Glorias and one French composer who isn’t great box office: the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus sound great, but where is the audience?

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.