Mareile Hanns, Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten, 29th September 2014
“…The Dresden Philharmonic had it well and truly in their grasp, together with the young English conductor Michael Francis. He delivered as an inspiring orchestral leader relying on subtlety and expressivity who knew exactly how best to convey his understanding of the timbres and structural characteristics.
Edward Elgar’s concert overture “In the South” – a work in which the composer’s impressions from his travels in Italy can be heard to a large extent – had its premiere in 1904. In this performance one had the feeling of positively being able to sense the magnificence, luminosity and scents of the Mediterranean landscape. Michael Francis encouraged an emotionally-tight orchestra and a lively, pulsating musical approach without pathos or flashiness.
Forty years after Elgar’s composition, Ralph Vaughn Williams began his 6th symphony, a work full of contrasts which counts as one of the most personal symphonies from the post-war era. Francis masterfully succeeded in forming an overriding arch which never lost tension; from the uproar of the opening movement, throughout the gloomy Moderato and the burlesque Scherzo right through to the mysterious shades of the Epilogue…
…The Philharmonic orchestra played in a delicate manner, full of expression and in a clear partnership with the conductor and singer.
Terrific!”
