On Saturday 24 March, the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Mark Elder performed Delius’s Sea Drift with the London Philharmonic Choir and baritone soloist Roderick Williams; Elgar’s Symphony No. 1; and the world première of The Discovery of Heaven by the Orchestra’s Composer in Residence Julian Anderson (conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth).
Reviewed by Colin Anderson, Classicalsource.com:
‘Elder paced the work [Sea Drift] perfectly, alive to its ebb and flow and its puffing and billowing … Roderick Williams’s honeyed baritone, effortless projection and impeccable enunciation bringing distinction to a 25-minute journey (so too Pieter Schoeman’s violin solos) that can seem unrelievedly sad (doom-laden bass drum strokes adding to the gloom) until spring-like consolation finally offers some hope. Whether Sea Drift is Delius’s masterpiece or not, this was a winning performance of it.’
Reviewed by Andrew Clements, The Guardian:
‘[The Discovery of Heaven] is a gripping journey in three movements, conducted superbly by Ryan Wigglesworth…’
Reviewed by Hilary Finch, The Times (not available online):
‘… This was all done with the artistry and assurance for which Anderson is renowned … What we heard was a brilliant response to a commission, conducted with authority and great clarity by Ryan Wigglesworth.’
Listen to our March 2012 podcast, in which Julian Anderson introduces The Discovery of Heaven.
lpo.org.uk
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