Conductor, Ian Whyte
This evening's programme consists of three little-known works; all works of value, but all three representing their composers in lighter moods characterised by charm rather than by intellectual power. In the case of the Busoni and Berlioz Overtures, the works represent a very early stage in their composers' development.
The Busoni Comedy Overture was written in 1897 and revised in 1904. In its lightness of touch and economical and transparent orchestral writing it looks forward to the whimsical Busoni of 'Turandot' and 'Arlecchino' rather than to the sombre introspection of 'Doctor Faust.'
The Liszt Symphonic Poem 'Festklange' ('Festal Sounds') was written in 1851, and belongs to the same period as most of his larger instrumental compositions. It is the gayest of the symphonic poems, being at times martial, at times lyrical, and at times having a pronouncedly dance-like character.
The 'Waverley' Overture of Berlioz is his earliest surviving composition of any length. It was written in 1827. The beautiful lyrical introduction with its long sustained melody played by the cellos, and the vigorous, breezy, and slightly uncouth Allegro that follows, both anticipate to a striking degree the Berlioz whose style was to reach its full development a few years later in the Fantastic Symphony and in ' Harold in Italy.'
W. R. COLLET