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Hallé Orchestra Shines in Watkins' Vibrant New Works
6 Mar
Summary
- Huw Watkins' second symphony premiered amid Covid lockdowns.
- Fanfare for the Hallé marked a return to music post-lockdown.
- Concerto for Orchestra showcases Hallé's intricate harmonies and rhythms.
The Hallé Orchestra, led by Mark Elder, has presented a vibrant showcase of composer Huw Watkins' recent works, celebrating a fruitful composer-orchestra relationship.
Watkins' second symphony, co-commissioned by the Hallé, was written during Covid lockdowns and recorded for a filmed concert in spring 2021. Concurrently, Fanfare for the Hallé was among the first pieces performed and recorded in the Bridgewater Hall following a nine-month hiatus in November 2020.
These energetic performances highlight the musicians' resilience. The symphony unfolds with delicate woodwind motifs, building to dynamic cascades, while its slow movement evokes a muted, agitated nocturne. The Concerto for Orchestra, captured at its premiere last May, shares a hopeful sensibility, with its clean harmonies and intriguing rhythms showcasing the full breadth of the Hallé.
