Benjamin Northey is unique. He believes in bringing Classical music to the public. All Conductors do. But he is different. He wants to explain a complex symphony to an audience. He wants to deconstruct it .And at the end it is you that has to find the work and listen to it in its entirety. In this concert it was the Sibelius 2nd Symphony.
Using the orchestra to augment his exposition he dismantled the work and then put it back together …in the process engendering excitement and anticipation. Mr Northey’s wish is to continue the work of conductor and musical educator the late Richard Gill. “Please come.. bring your wife ,mother, your children, ..any children …!! “in an explanation full of clarity and good humour .
However we did hear Sibelius’ Finlandia and Valse Triste. Finlandia captures the spirit of a people in revolt against its Russian oppressor. Brass and Timpani evoke a lion raging against its captivity. The theme is taken up by the strings and woodwinds echoing the plaintive cries of the Finnish people . A roaring end, exuberant and declamatory ,makes it clear that the Finnish people will triumph. And they did. Eighteen years later in 2017 Finland achieved its independence.
Vaise Triste ‘Sad Waltz’ is a moving work, sombre, dark and sensual. It is a goodbye to life…one l;ved fully and compassionately but not without disappointment. Perfectly performed by this scaled down orchestra and its conductor.
Conductor Northey believes that classical music is universally accessible to all..young and old and every walk of life. The concert was a dramatic example..
This concert took place on July 22 at 6.30pm at the City Recital Hall.
