Pat O’Kelly, Irish Independent, 7th April 2014
“Following several weeks’ lull, the latest in the RTÉ NSO’s ‘Subscription Season’ finds the ensemble in top form under re-visiting English conductor Michael Francis.
Increasingly well respected on both sides of the Atlantic, his programme spotlights Dvořák’s 7th Symphony. The Brahms-like majesty of its opening Allegro is lightened by some delicious woodwind writing and, through its inherent Bohemian flavour, this is music that smiles.
Dvořák’s ‘poco adagio’ slow movement has chorale-like fragments in its dignified expressiveness with a sentient oboe sighing a disturbingly poignant interlude.
The constant dynamic shifts of the heroic Scherzo are played with tremendous verve while Michael Francis’ spirited approach to the rousing Finale propels music and musicians, particularly the emblazoned horns, to a thrilling conclusion.”
