In a sonic "exquisite corpse" inspired by the surrealist art movement, composer Anders Hillborg has woven together disparate musical threads with remarkable cohesion. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, under the baton of chief conductor Ryan Bancroft, brought this complex tapestry to life in a thrilling performance that showcased both its dark beauty and haunting melancholy.
The program opened with Hillborg's Exquisite Corpse, which drew upon influences as wide-ranging as Stravinsky, Ligeti, and Sibelius. The piece pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its instrumental colours shifting seamlessly from delicate, lace-like textures to monstrous, growling basses that threatened to overwhelm the ear. Yet, despite this sonic tumult, the music never felt disconnected or disjointed – a testament to Hillborg's skill as a composer.
Bancroft drew upon his deep understanding of Sibelius' score in "Lemminkäinen Suite Op 22", coaxed out a thrilling balance between narrative drama and elemental power from the BBC National Orchestra. The tone poem's surreal, dreamlike quality was perfectly captured by Amy McKean's evocative cor anglais solo, which conjured up images of a mystical, otherworldly realm.
But it was Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No 2, Op 126 that truly stole the show. Alban Gerhardt's playing brought a level of melancholy beauty to the music that was nothing short of breathtaking – his delicate touch on the high strings and precision-honed rhythmic bite in the Allegretto movement conjuring up feelings of longing and desperation.
And yet, even as he delivered such intense performances, Gerhardt remained remarkably humble. His momentary cameo at the back of the cello section during the Sibelius suite was a delightful touch – a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful music is precisely the one we don't plan for, but stumble upon by chance.
The program opened with Hillborg's Exquisite Corpse, which drew upon influences as wide-ranging as Stravinsky, Ligeti, and Sibelius. The piece pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its instrumental colours shifting seamlessly from delicate, lace-like textures to monstrous, growling basses that threatened to overwhelm the ear. Yet, despite this sonic tumult, the music never felt disconnected or disjointed – a testament to Hillborg's skill as a composer.
Bancroft drew upon his deep understanding of Sibelius' score in "Lemminkäinen Suite Op 22", coaxed out a thrilling balance between narrative drama and elemental power from the BBC National Orchestra. The tone poem's surreal, dreamlike quality was perfectly captured by Amy McKean's evocative cor anglais solo, which conjured up images of a mystical, otherworldly realm.
But it was Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No 2, Op 126 that truly stole the show. Alban Gerhardt's playing brought a level of melancholy beauty to the music that was nothing short of breathtaking – his delicate touch on the high strings and precision-honed rhythmic bite in the Allegretto movement conjuring up feelings of longing and desperation.
And yet, even as he delivered such intense performances, Gerhardt remained remarkably humble. His momentary cameo at the back of the cello section during the Sibelius suite was a delightful touch – a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful music is precisely the one we don't plan for, but stumble upon by chance.
I mean, Anders Hillborg's Exquisite Corpse sounds like some trippy stuff 
but at the end of the day it's just music, right? And I love how Alban Gerhardt's playing in that Shostakovich concerto No 2 had me feelin' all the feels 
. Reminded me of when my grandma used to play the piano and it was like time stopped 
. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is straight fire too 
, Ryan Bancroft must know his stuff. Sibelius' score in "Lemminkäinen Suite Op 22" is giving me some serious Game of Thrones vibes 
and alban gerhardt's performance of shostakovich's cello concerto was pure magic 
didn't even notice him during that one part where he snuck into the back of the cellos lol 
Oh man, what a night to remember! I'm still buzzing from that incredible performance 
. And Alban Gerhardt's cello playing in Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No 2 was pure magic 
. I'm so glad Ryan Bancroft got to conduct it - he really brought out the best in the orchestra 
. And can we talk about Amy McKean's cor anglais solo? 
The way he stumbled upon that moment at the back of the cello section during the Sibelius suite was so charming, it felt like we were all in on some secret 
ryan bancroft is definitely a genius conductor, he really knows how to get the best out of his musicians.
that somehow makes sense...? the way the orchestra handled it was insane, they really brought out the dark beauty and haunting melancholy in it 
he just totally lost himself in the music and delivered this incredibly emotional performance that still gives me chills 
. And the BBC National Orchestra of Wales did an amazing job bringing it to life, even when it got really intense 
. I mean, that Sibelius piece was wild 
! But what really stood out to me was Alban Gerhardt's cello playing – he's just so emotive and expressive on that instrument 
. And his humility at the end? So inspiring 
!
and that Shostakovich cello concerto? FORGET ABOUT IT