Page 501 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book

Photo: Ben Wright

The final piece, Prokofiev’s Symphony No.3, is not well known and not performed often, so
Deseure made the choice to introduce the piece and its dark, mystical story. The introduction
was excellent, very informative and added a level of understanding to this forgotten piece of
music. It also gave Deseure the opportunity to advise that the orchestra are the only one in the
UK to possess real bells with which they can illustrate the fall of the monastery, rather than
using tubular bells which do not have the same effect.

The opening of the piece is harsh and violent but very quickly becomes gentle and rich to
illustrate the reduction of panic with the introduction of the fiery angel. Pitch is used to
excellent effect to create a sense of high drama and the percussion session are excellent at
creating a frightening feeling. The second movement is much sweeter, but still retains a sense
of palpable sadness. Flautists, Cormac Henry and Helen Wilson add a particular richness here
with the drama provided by the rest of the orchestra shining through. The third movement
features lots of clashing and harsh notes contrasting with calm melodies to create a false
sense of security. The flutes together with the piccolo, played by Sameeta Gahir, add to the
severity of this movement and the percussion section enhances the drama together with
harpists Elizabeth McNulty and Eleanor Hudson. The dark and dramatic final movement
creates a tangible sense of tragedy and the different toned bells exclusive to the orchestra are
a wonderful addition which enrich the feeling of drama.

This concert collates an extraordinary and magical collection of music with fairy tale themes
and high drama which was a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon. The addition of such
an unknown and rarely performed piece was a particular highlight, and as always, the
orchestra did an excellent job of performing wonderful music.

Reviewer: Donna M Day