Proms Chamber Music 6: A sensitive start that lost its way

By Hazel Rowland, 26 August 2014

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Cadogan Hall, London on 25 August 2014

Mozart, Piano Sonata no. 9 in D major, K311 (K284c)

Mahler, Piano Quartet in A minor

Strauss R., Metamorphosen (arr. R Leopold for septet)

Louis Schwizgebel, Piano

Katarzyna Budnik-Gałązka, Viola

Marcin Zdunik, Cello

Tomasz Januchta, Double Bass

Royal String Quartet

Aurora Orchestra and Louis Schwizgebel delight at Kings Place

Timothy Robson, 7th November

The streamed concert showed the Aurora players' prowess as chamber musicians, joined by the excellent Swiss pianist in music by Mozart, Ravel and a specially commissioned new work by Sasha Scott.

****1

Franck’s Aeolian winds usher in Saint-Säens and Elgar to Belfast

Leighton Jones, 5th April

Ulster Orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen returns to lead an outstanding evening, culminating in Elgar’s First Symphony. Louis Schwizgebel impresses in Saint-Saens’ Fifth Piano Concerto.

*****

Glittering showpieces from Gabel and the Milwaukee Symphony

Phillip Nones, 27th January

In Milwaukee, Fabien Gabel pairs a Classical concerto with brilliant orchestral showpieces by Bernstein, Ravel and Florent Schmitt.

****1

Gabel brings French Romance to Birmingham

Robert Gainer, 26th April

With a Francophile programme of Berlioz, Chopin and Franck, conductor Fabien Gabel had the constant challenge of exploring the orchestra for fresh insights into each of these Romantic works.

***11

Hungarian matinée with the CBSO

Hedy Mühleck, 18th October

For a folklore enthusiast like yours truly, the CBSO’s matinee last Saturday seemed the perfect recipe: take some Liszt, a generous amount of Bartók and a pinch of Brahms, then add to the excellent musicians for a delectable musical experience.

***11

National Youth Orchestra dazzles at the Proms

David Truslove, 10th August

Edward Gardner directs the National Youth Orchestra’s annual prom performance in an exhilarating Russian and Polish programme.

****1

More reviews...

Hazel Rowland

Hazel is in her final year reading music at Oxford University. As well being a classical music reviewer, she has written arts commentary for the Oxford Student and reviewed plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her particular interests lies in early German Romantic music and in how classical music functions within contemporary popular culture. Follow her blog here.