Brighton Philharmonic – Nicholas Daniel (oboe), Barry Wordsworth (conductor)

As in the very first Philharmonic concert 90 seasons ago, Schubert’s ‘Marche Militaire’ began the programme. Then Brighton Festival Chorus gave a mighty rendering of Parry’s Coronation Anthem ‘I was glad’. They sounded under-powered later for Parry’s more complex ‘Blest pair of sirens’ but it was still impressive. Best was Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto, so gentle and beguiling as played by the ever popular Daniel. However, the large audience probably came for Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’. A fine, authentic performance, Wordsworth left showmanship to Elgar’s exact directions: ‘Nimrod’ was really quiet and the loudest climax was twenty-five bars before the end.

Dome Concert Hall, 2 November 2014

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