Berlioz's overture inspired by King Lear is not a literal narration, but rather a synoptically aware fantasy. The Hallé, directed by assistant conductor Edward Gardner, explored Berlioz's apt themes, such as filial tenderness, unexpected anger, and deeply personal tragedy. Gardner's athletic conducting encouraged the contrasting sudden mood swings in Berlioz's music, and the climax representing Lear's insanity was compelling. Currently the Hallé seem to do little wrong, and this persuasive performance was no exception.
Elgar's Falstaff is based on the character of the Henry IV plays rather than the amiable fool in The Merry Wives of Windsor. It has been claimed that Elgar's musical portrait of the hero's disintegration is autobiographical, but although the essentially symphonic work is one of Elgar's finest artistic achievements, it is not one of his most accessible. In this performance, Mark Elder provided captions displayed on monitors either side of the concert platform to describe the narrative. It was an intriguing experiment, and on the whole it was beneficial - unless one happened to glance away at the wrong moment. Both Elder's captions and conducting illuminated the musical portrait of Falstaff's scams, naivety and death. The Hallé were simply wonderful, with Elder brilliantly balancing the juxtaposition of Falstaff's interior private thoughts and the events he witnesses.
Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 3 provided a complimentary yet distinct second half. Argentinian pianist Nelson Goerner exquisitely communicated the range of Rachmaninov's writing, from sheer virtuoso brilliance to a sensitive and shapely eloquence. He presented a kaleidoscope of pianistic expression, using dynamic flexibility as a tool to convey emotion rather than his perfect technique. In the Intermezzo he was alternately volatile and seductive, and the Hallé's link into the finale was extrovertly theatrical and punchy.
Under Elder's meticulous yet fresh direction, the performance was full of playfulness, longing, vivacious showmanship, and romantic tenderness. The orchestra's sensitive accompaniment proved that there is infinitely more to their art than providing aural wallpaper. Elder and the Hallé stand proud among Europe's elite.
