Gloucester Symphony Orchestra

Gloucester Cathedral

A remarkable programme was presented by Gloucestershire

Symphony Orchestra under conductor Mark Finch at Gloucester

Cathedral.

The concert opened with an exciting whirling but strictly

controlled orchestral journey in John Adams' Short Ride in a

Fast Machine. With insistent continuous wood-block beat and

abrupt ending the audience's full attention was captured.

In total contrast the glorious Four Last Songs by Richard

Strauss were breathtaking. Pondering life and death soprano

Lesley-Jane Rogers sang profoundly. Her high notes soared

beautifully above the sympathetic orchestral support.

Lesley-Jane's rich warm tones, excellent

breath control and the soul-stirring melodies brought

deserved acclaim.

Vandalism in the Cathedral in 2002 was the inspirational

spur for the world premiere of Cheltenham composer Colin

Decio's Gloucester Symphony.

Dedicated to the cathedral and city of Gloucester, the

atmospheric work represents hope and defiance.

Beginning with solo clarinet, playing a simple motif based

on an augmented fourth which is then developed throughout, the

composition proved interesting, descriptive and melodic.

Without many obvious tempo contrasts the work seemed a

little long. Dynamic contrasts were effective together with the

scoring for handbells, organ, triple wind and percussion.

The inclusion of choral work presented a tranquil fitting

Finale returning to the Latin and a cappella singing familiar

to the cathedral.

This work provoked much discussion amongst concert-goers and

is well-deserving of future performances.

Jill Bacon