The Met Series 6 concert program showcased this hardworking orchestra alone, with no soloist. The orchestra presented two greats of the 19th century symphonic repertoire, with the first half of the concert devoted to Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ Symphony No 8 in B minor, D 759, and concluding with Symphony No 1 in C minor, Op.68 by Brahms.
This would be considered a formidable programme for any orchestra. It also treated the audience to the final symphonic utterance from Schubert back to back with the evolution in this genre by Brahms from the next generation.
Both works require great discipline for an orchestra. Textural challenges must be well managed in order to preserve the balance across the instrumental forces. Clear maintenance of melodic line is crucial for outlining formal architecture favoured by both composers, and for touching the listener emotionally.
Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams guided an admirably focussed Metropolitan Orchestra through the demands of both late Schubert and early Brahms. Stamina was mostly very well preserved.
The delicate opening of the Schubert showed tremendous restraint and control. This ability for penetrating soft string playing continued throughout the work. The well-known oboe and clarinet solos were beautiful and seamless. They stated simply and evenly the essence of Schubert’s genius for melody. These instruments also handled the solos well above a denser texture in the Brahms symphony.
Enjoyable to hear in both symphonies was a healthy competition across string parts and between orchestral sections. Secondary parts tastefully competed with leading figures. This brought an enjoyable vitality to the playing.
Tempo choices were on the keen and uplifting side, especially in the fast final movement of the Brahms. This symphony’s finale perhaps could have benefitted from some moments of air between its relentless sections. Its opening movement were commanding, and painted in massive strokes.
This was a very good programme and a satisfying evening of symphonic music with which to conclude the Met Series 2012. The 2013 series details are available now, and are highly recommended. Showing the versatility of this orchestra, they are also set to play music from the Doctor Who TV series at the Sydney Opera House during December.
Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5
The Metropolitan Orchestra – Met Series Six
Conductor: Sarah-Grace Williams
SCHUBERT Symphony no 8, B minor ‘Unfinished’
BRAHMS Symphony no 1, C minor, op 68
Independent Theatre, North Sydney
17 November
