Explorations – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Explorations is an evening of music to transport you, from the bustling streets of Paris, to the dark and ominous world that can be created with baroque style harpsichord, and finally to the enchanting scenes of Finland’s view of the aurora borealis. Performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Manze, this was a collection of music which swept you along an epic journey and held a poignancy as the musicians played a memorial tribute to friend of the orchestra, Maurice Henry George.

The dramatic powerful opening of Mozart’s Symphony No 31, ‘Paris’ was paired beautifully with the gentle dreamlike woodwind and intricately layered strings. The fantastical elements are heightened in the second movement, with gentle and nostalgic melodies nodding to echoes of the drama built up in the first movement. The third movement brings the story to a close beautifully with allegro tempo and powerful crescendos.

The second piece was a very special world premiere of Gavin Bryars’ Harpsichord Concerto, co-commissioned with the Orchestre National de Lyon. Performed by talented harpsichordist, Mahan Esfahani, the ominous opening of the piece quickly led to a contrast between the harpsichord and the rest of the orchestra which created a high level of tension. The percussion section increased the level of drama in the piece and the surprising gentle melodies created layers of echo and repetition which pulled you into the piece and led you through an incredible journey. The percussive creation of wind and soft whispers of air created a fantastic build up of sound which heightened the effect of the captivating woodwind.

Following the concerto, Esfahani played a solo dedicated especially to Maurice Henry George. Richard Rodney Bennett’s Little Elegy was a beautiful, gentle and nostalgic tribute to a man who was clearly very special to the orchestra. Esfahani’s poignant playing stirred the emotions of his fellow musicians and audience alike.

Following the interval, the orchestra transported us to Finland with Sibelius’ Symphony No 1. The quiet and haunting beginning explodes into powerful strings. Pizzicato elements increase the drama of the piece and these elements particularly emphasise the strong relationship between the string and percussion sections of the orchestra. Lovely harp elements lead into the gentle second movement which beckons the audience into a magical and hypnotic world. The feeling of enchantment is increased in the third movement with strong pizzicato and brass elements which create a sense of peril. Call and response components are compelling and move nicely towards the fourth movement with evocative woodwind which soothes us into a sense of safety. The powerful climax ended the evening’s journey through time and space on an emotional high. 

Explorations featured an interested and varied repertoire which allowed each section of the orchestra to shine in its own right. A captivating journey and a wonderful tribute, this collection of music was wonderfully varied, brilliantly performed and clearly treasured by the musicians presenting it.

Reviewer: Donna M Day

Reviewed: 23rd March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★