Rodger Jones, Seen and Heard International, 2nd August 2014
“For some reason I have missed out on live performances of Richard Strauss in this his 150th anniversary year. I have not undertaken any mountaineering expeditions either, but that is beside the point. But I have now made up for these omissions thanks to the NYOS’s magnificent performance of Strauss’s Alpine Symphony under the impressive direction of Michael Francis…
The brass were in fine fettle as, starting from the very deepest registers, they evoked the darkness of the night before intoning a sequence depicting the mountain and its shadow. The first light of light of dawn heralded a glorious sunrise with a particularly warm sound emanating from the horns, after which the strings (now unmuted) displayed vigour and anticipation as the ascent commenced. Hunting calls from brass players positioned offstage created a forest scene full of atmosphere, and after a scintillating evocation of a waterfall the orchestra made it to the Alpine pastures complete with cowbells. The young musicians seemed to reflect their triumph at reaching the summit of the mountain in the expansiveness and confidence of their playing, as if they were unaware of the drama soon to unfold. After an evocative oboe solo, the storm broke to thrilling effect, with all sections of the orchestra fully engaged and a thunder machine and wind machine adding to the turbulence – all carefully controlled by Michael Francis. The sunset was just as glorious as the sunrise, but more expansive and relaxed as the main themes were recalled until twilight set in and night fell to the accompaniment of the whispering brass…
This was a concert of which any fully professional orchestra could be proud – and I don’t excite easily! As for Michael Francis, he is a young conductor who beneath his apparent calm creates dynamic results. I shall be keeping my eye on him, and other music-lovers should do the same!”
