The BBCSSO/Wigglesworth review of this Proms concert reveals a performance that balanced orchestral tradition with contemporary daring, highlighted by Brett Dean's rich and strange song cycle The World's Wife.
Concert Overview: Elgar's First Symphony and More
Ryan Wigglesworth led the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in a program that opened with Judith Weir's Moon and Star and culminated in Elgar's First Symphony. While the Elgar was described as "handsome" but not fully transcendent, the first half offered compelling modern works.
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Judith Weir's Moon and Star: A Prismatic Setting
Weir's 1995 piece, based on Emily Dickinson's poem, was praised for its filmic sweep and shimmer. The orchestral texture created a "prismatic explosion of imagery," with the verse as the crystal at its center.
Brett Dean's The World's Wife: A Theatrical Monodrama
The centerpiece was Dean's new orchestral song-cycle, setting five poems from Carol Ann Duffy's collection. Soprano Claire Booth delivered a stage-animal performance, bending the text into love-song, satire, prayer, and meditation. Dean's music, pitched between Pierrot Lunaire and Façade, was stylized and arch, yet richly textured.
Performance Analysis: Strengths and Shortcomings
The Elgar First Symphony showed Wigglesworth's architectural thinking, but the orchestra's execution often felt choppy in transitions. The Adagio had balance issues, and the final Allegro lacked context. However, the long lines were evident, and the finale's return to the opening was poignant.
| Aspect | Elgar First Symphony | Dean's The World's Wife |
|---|---|---|
| Orchestral execution | Choppy transitions, balance issues | Rich, strange textures |
| Soloist | N/A | Claire Booth's theatrical mastery |
| Overall impact | Admirable but not moving | Compelling and innovative |
Key Takeaways
- Brett Dean's song cycle is a major new work, blending satire and depth.
- Claire Booth's performance is a must-hear for fans of contemporary vocal music.
- The Elgar, while not perfect, showed Wigglesworth's thoughtful approach.
- Weir's Moon and Star deserves more performances.
FAQ
Who composed The World's Wife?
Who composed The World's Wife?
Brett Dean composed The World's Wife, a song cycle based on poems by Carol Ann Duffy.
Who performed in the BBCSSO/Wigglesworth concert?
Who performed in the BBCSSO/Wigglesworth concert?
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth, with soprano Claire Booth as soloist.
What was the highlight of the concert?
What was the highlight of the concert?
Most critics and audiences found Brett Dean's The World's Wife to be the most memorable piece, due to its rich textures and Booth's powerful performance.
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