The Vienna Tonkunstler is one of Austria’s finest orchestras, although possibly not as well known as the Vienna Philharmonic. On the other hand, whereas around a third of the former’s musicians are women, the Vienna Philharmonic, who are the last bastions of male chauvinism, continue to employ only a handful. This is something perhaps worth mentioning in the week of International Women’s Day!
They begin their programme today with a Scottish theme, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, written after the composer’s rather seasick trip to Staffa! Although sweetly played, their account is a little underwhelming in its passion and commitment.
Likewise, the second part of the programme, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, is well played by Emma Johnson (backed by a chamber-sized orchestra), but its impact seems a little muted in the Usher Hall.
Only in the final part of the programme, Brahms’ First Symphony, do the orchestra and its conductor, Yutaka Sado, really come to life, particularly in the dramatic final movement. This may be a deliberate attempt by the conductor to build towards a climax on a quiet Sunday afternoon, but if this is the case, it doesn’t really work!