Czech National Symphony Orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall
Johnny James, Managing Editor
At The Bridgewater Hall this month, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra celebrates the glorious music of its homeland – joined by British star violinist Chloë Hanslip.
Founded in 1993 by trumpeter Jan Hasenöhrl along with the legendary conductor Zdeněk Košler, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra is recognised as one of Europe’s premier symphonic ensembles, with little competition when it comes to interpreting Czech masterpieces. And we have a generous helping of those tonight.
The Overture from Bedřich Smetana’s comic opera, The Bartered Bride, kicks off the concert in whirlwind fashion, its explosive joy and virtuosic figurations making for a thrilling curtain raiser. Its lively, rustic Czech style paves the way for an Antonín Dvořák work that’s even more virtuosic – but we’re in safe hands with the hugely talented violinist Chloë Hanslip, who made her BBC Proms debut at just 14 years old, and has since performed with the finest orchestras all over the world.
Antonín Dvořák’s Violin Concerto presents, perhaps, the most beautiful beginnings of all violin concertos. From the moment the solo instrument enters, Dvořák’s gift for melody makes itself known, the violin’s lyrical potential pushed to its limits. By turns brooding and animated, the first two movements give way to a blistering finale inspired by the furiant, a Czech folk dance, which feels like a celebration of life itself. It’s a masterpiece from Dvořák’s Slavic period, and an essential part of the international violin repertoire.
A change of pace as Prague is swapped for Buenos Aires, with trumpeter and founder of the orchestra Jan Hasenöhrl transporting us to Argentina for Astor Piazzolla’s evocative Libertango. Piazzolla became a revolutionary in the tango world when he began incorporating jazz and classical elements into the style, in so doing creating Nuevo Tango – a new movement which, after the release of the sultry Libertango in 1974, soon spread around the world.
Back to the Czech Republic for the concert’s finale. There’s little doubt that Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony is his finest. From its smouldering opening via tragedy to a defiant close, a sense of gravity pervades this work. It’s packed with Slavonic melodies and references to the composer’s homeland; one can hear Dvořák’s desire to see his country flourish and grow. “God grant that this Czech music will move the world!” wrote the composer while penning the work. It’s less a homage to the New World and more a heartfelt tribute to the Old – inspired by “love, God and my Fatherland” said Dvořák, and played tonight by an orchestra that has this music running through its veins.
