Royal College of Music Wind Ensemble

Leoš Janáček’s Mládí suite centred around the moving, rich, controlled bass clarinet of Elliot Gresty, particularly in the lovely Andante movement. A euphonic arrangement of Beethoven’s ‘Pathetique’ sonata (by Robin O’Neill) was a sorrowful, joyful and melodious treat and a welcome new version of a well-known piece. Mozart’s ‘Serenade in C Minor’ was a more unified, formal offering that pleased the crowd, while Strauss’ one movement ‘Serenade in E-Flat Major’ had 13 performers and the striking sight of a large contrabassoon. It was a refreshing change to hear the isolated wind instruments in an intimate environment, and the Janáček and Beethoven pieces truly soared.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 24 January 2016
Rating:
Joe Fuller