London Symphony Orchestra, Nikolaj Znaider (conductor, violin)

Nikolaj Znaider had arranged for the orchestra to stand to play Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.5: which might have helped provide some urgency to the thrilling work. Znaider’s own playing was commanding and enrapturing, and the well-rehearsed orchestra were carefully led to glorious waves of volume to emphasise the drama of the piece. A fun performance that showed how invigorating Mozart can be in the right hands.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 meanwhile had some gorgeous, earthy, foreboding cello and viola in the first movement while the more jovial moods in later movements were grasped from the players with idiosyncratic hand gestures from Znaider. The almost ridiculous rollicking of the work was played at a fair pace, resulting in an enjoyable crowd pleaser.

Brighton Dome Concert Hall, 13 May 2017
[rating:4.5\5]
Joe Fuller