Scottish Chamber Orchestra: the Mendelssohn celebration begins

At the start of a series of concerts commemorating Felix Mendelssohn’s 200th birthday, the SCO bring us his overture The Fair Melusine alongside two equally expressive orchestral works from Mozart and Schubert. An interesting initial observation lies in the size of audience: the recession may be seeing many a well-established British company close its doors, but apparently it still can’t put us off classical music.

The Fair Melusine takes us through beautifully flowing contrasts, punctuated especially well at its opening by the woodwind. The string section achieves perfectly weighted dynamics throughout and the delicate contrasts existing across the piece are well emphasised by the ensemble as a whole.

In the piano concerto, the players really breathe life into Mozart’s work. Soloist Paul Lewis portrays a delicate passion in his lyrical treatment of the piece while cascading passages possess the smoothness and even tempo required by the moving work. The ensemble supports Lewis’ technique with excellent balance and demonstrates a new and distinctive side to the works of Mozart.

The opening of the second half brings a surprise addition to the programme which continues the Mendelssohn theme: an orchestration of the Scherzo from his renowned string octet. Contrasting melodic lines flow together despite the doubling and tripling of instruments, and the work's playful intricacies translate well into the orchestral setting.

The required delicacy remains flawless right up to the closing bars, during which a beautifully articulated flute solo leads us to a subtle finish. Schubert’s Fourth Symphony follows, heralding a growing dramatic mood which is portrayed well throughout by conductor Andrew Manze. The finale is particularly noteworthy, as the combination of its underlying pulse and various melodic elements maintains the inevitable pull towards an eventual climax.

If tonight is anything to go by, the SCO’s celebration of Mendelssohn is set to be something special. As Manze declares during an introduction to the second half, the coming concert series is a must for Mendelssohn fans and newcomers to his work alike.