Orchestra Comes Alive Under Gamba

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32050, 26 July 1969, Page 14

Orchestra Comes Alive Under Gamba

It was clear to all that Pierino Gamba, the guestconductor of the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra last evening in the Civic Theatre, knew exactly what he wanted and that the orchestra was ready to give it to him. The programme began with Glucks overture, “Iphegenla in Aulis,” played with dignity and with beautifully smooth tone.

There was a different positioning of the strings on the stage and this may have had an effect, but it seemed, in this work and in the exquisite Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, that the strings were producing tone not heard from them before. There was a transparency of sound, more delicately moulded in the Adagio, and it al! came with a mellow richness, a living vibrancy. The phrasing and the niceties Of expression were of splendid standard. Magnificent clarity, vitality and courtly grace merited Mr Gamba’s interpretation of Mowrt’s “Hafner” Symphony. He chose his tempi with acute understanding of what would best suit the hall, and drew ringing brilliance of tone from each player. To steady clarity of line he added a rippling gaiety of expression and an elegance of phrasing that brought everything electrifyingly to life without a sign of strain or overstatement Glynne Adams was the soloist in Walton’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra. His long service as leader of the viola section of the orchestra did much to raise the standard of playing in past years; and his splendid command over the instrument in this brilliant performance of the concerto showed why he has established such a high reputation during his sojourn abroad. The orchestra, too, played with stirring precision and elan, and roused hearers to high pitch of excitement particularly in the brilliant scheno. The last movement also had a bubbling sparkle and beady excitement The playing of the whole of this splendid work was a tour de force long to be remembered. The brass and woodwind players deserve special commendation for their excellent care for balance at the same time as they produced such brilliantly intense playing.

The concert ended with “Valse” by Ravel, a work fascinatingly orchestrated and opening in a strange and murky fusion, then gradually taking on all the glitter and good living of the ballroom, and finally being much larger than life. Mr Gamba and the orchestra will give another concert this evening. —C.F.B.