AN excellently performed all-Haydn concert, albeit on the short side, brought the 2008-09 Sheffield International Concert Season to an end.
Why was Symphony No 60 replaced by the relatively short Overture to Il Mondo della Luna?
An extremely fine performance of the Nelson Mass found the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus in resplendent voice, strongly rhythmic when required and with clear di
ction.
The four young soloists, soprano Clare Ormshaw, mezzo-soprano Carolina Krogius, tenor Robert Anthony Gardiner, bass James Oldfield, were extremely impressive, the latter – a true bass, and soprano, in particular, revealing enormous potential.
Douglas Boyd was the lively conductor with a clear beat, not overdoing the work's militaristic aspects. Prior to the Nelson he directed a spirited account of the composer's Drum Roll symphony in a performance that had plenty to delight the ear.
An occasional lack of string weight in the quieter passages, curiously, didn't manifest itself in the tuttis. Indeed, balance with the wind: first-rate woodwind, two admirably secure horns, two non-overpowered trumpets, was well nigh ideal.
Ensemble 360's Naomi Atherton was principal horn, incidentally, and former ensemble member Ben Hudson second bassoon.
The overture, effectively an allegro, was neatly played with highly-accomplished oboe playing from Rachael Clegg.
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