Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra And Brighton Festival Chorus, Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

Alternative Bachs were the main acts, and Johann Christian’s Sinfonia in B flat, No.2 was a glorious little piece. The warm Christmassy wash of sprightly strings and flutes was sweetly performed, if lacking a little oomph. The main ‘Magnificat’ piece from Carl Philipp Emanuel on the other hand combined the chorus and orchestra to soaring effect, with the ‘Et miericordia’ middle part standing out as powerful and strikingly beautiful. Mezzo Soprano Catherine Carby’s duet with Tenor James Edwards in the ‘Deposuit potentes’ movement was the standout melodic moment, perfectly harmonising along with the delicately conducted orchestra. A lovely delve into the Bach family’s work, the BPO never disappoints on a Sunday afternoon.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 3 November 2013

Rating: