Bruckner: Symphony No.2 in C Minor: 24th November
Bruckner’s ’2nd’ is not his best known or most loved. Last night, however, Mario Venzago and the Northern Sinfonia re-invented it to great aclaim. Venzago clearly was ‘living’ the symphony, and the orchestra was unanimous in bringing his realisation to glorious life. Admittedly, it was best to sit there, consciously casting out of mind what Bruckner was later to do in (for example, his 3rd, 4th and 9th) essays into the symphony, and simply focus on what was being created. Sadly, there were numerous empty seats in ‘The Sage’ at Gateshead, even after the first part of the concert when Bradley Creswick produced an impeccable reading of Mozart’s best violin concerto. The untiring Bradley rejoined his colleagues in the Sinfonia to lead this formidable interpretation of Bruckner’s 2nd. The version used was from 2005 and attempts to recreate the original score which was attacked at its premiere by the Vienna Philharmonic, but which was rapturously received – as indeed it was last night. A full and useful programme note by Richard Yates added to one’s appreciation. One of my most enjoyed concerts at the Sage.
