Music review: BBC SSO - Scottish Inspirations
BBC SSO: Scottish Inspirations ****
City Halls, Glasgow
Grimes’ short work proved a compelling synthesis of frenetic busyness and needle-sharp definition, its wildness warmly checked by languid swathes of folk melody.
Beamish’s concerto, written in memory of her late violinist mother, took us on a more subliminal journey, the ethereal soundscape of its opening bars, an unfolding play on a three-note theme, effecting a crystalline transparency, softened by impressionistic brushstrokes. Echoes of Bartok haunt its powerful evolving arched structure. Pianist Martin Roscoe’s soulful performance, trenchant when needed, recognised the soloist’s integrated role.
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Hide AdCapperauld’s new work hit us like a thunderbolt: youthful vigour combined with quirky originality (one subconscious reference, perhaps, to fellow Cumnockian, James MacMillan’s Isobel Gowdie) and a natural feel for the big orchestral palette.
Dausgaard’s conviction brought set-edge responsiveness from an energised SSO; especially in Max’s penultimate symphony, which positions a belligerent off-stage brass sextet in Ives-like opposition. The softer edges characterising his final works is alluringly prominent, but the acerbic old Max – the mischievous parodist – lurks with a purposeful smile.