Jennifer battles distraction to keep her exceptional Mozart concerto on track
Last updated 19:28, Thursday, 27 November 2008
IT WAS a case of third time unlucky for violinist Jennifer Pike when a member of the audience collapsed during her performance of Mozart’s Third Violin Concerto with the Northern Chamber Orchestra for Cockermouth Music Society.
It has happened to her twice before elsewhere! But Jennifer has the performer’s true grit and she powered her way through, appearing quite unfazed by the disturbance at the back of the hall.
This was an interpretation of quite exceptional beauty, particularly in the slow movement which was exquisite.
In addition to Jennifer’s wonderful playing, the audience were treated to a bravura performance from the Northern Chamber Orchestra, directed by Nicholas Ward, all of whom seemed to be on top form.
Beginning with a charming rendition of a Mozart overture, La Finta Semplice, the orchestra continued with Shostakovich, Prelude and Scherzo Op.11, an early work but with all the hallmarks of the composer’s later style well in evidence.
Expecting, and even resigned to, the prospect of some dissonance, we were gripped by a poignant and expressive slow movement, followed by furious excitement in the Scherzo, and yet the fireworks were all well blended and tightly controlled.
Sibelius’s Suite Mignonne has been transformed at least once into a ballet and certainly dances along with grace and Nordic charm.
The final item, Haydn’s Symphony No 47, demonstrated all Northern Chamber Orchestra’s experience and expertise with Haydn, each movement being treated imaginatively and musically; positive jollity in the Allegro, pure singing tone in the Adagio, a palindromic minuet, short but perfectly formed, and a dashing Presto to end a super concert for a packed audience in the United Reformed Church hall.
This concert was part of the Orchestras Live Tour of Cumbria.
Susan Allison
