The Scottish Chamber Orchestra are in German musical territory in tonight’s concert, beginning with a new work by Jörg Widmann, Con Brio, which is apparently inspired by Beethoven, although one might fail to see any obvious connection. It is very challenging for the orchestra, as of course Beethoven’s music was in his day, however unlike in Beethoven, there are no melodies to be heard!
The concert continues with the wonderful Brahms Double Concerto for violin and cello, here expertly played by sister and brother, Tanja and Christian Tetzlaff. They show great understanding of each other and respond well to the orchestra under Robin Ticciati. They also show they can play unaccompanied with their encore: a movement from Kodaly’s Double Concerto.
The concert concludes with a great account of Beethoven’s mighty Seventh Symphony. Here, Ticciati shows why he has been a great principal conductor for the SCO, helping to make them into what many consider to be the best orchestra in Scotland. Robin inspires some spirited playing tonight, particularly from the leader Alexander Janiczek, who at one point animatedly throws away his bow!
Ticciati will be much missed when he leaves in the summer to take up residences in Berlin and Glyndebourne. However, he will come back as a guest conductor, and he leaves a fine musical legacy in performances and recordings, and in Scotland’s finest orchestra.