Alina Ibragimova/LSO/Lionel Bringuier at the Barbican
The petite-but-perfectly-formed Maître Bringuier was subbing for Robin Ticciati (who has just had something done to alleviate a persistent back problem). Oops, I’m being heightist. Strange programme: Brahms VC; Dutilleux Métaboles; Ravel D&C Suite 2. The Brahms improved as it progressed but I kept wanting Alina Ibragimova to channel her inner Ida Haendel in the first movement. A tone which suits Bach in the Wigmore Hall seemed a bit overwhelmed by the full might of the LSO. But she does play beautifully - lovely cadenzas. LB goes for big gestures as a conductor but has a very clear beat. The Dutilleux was delivered con brio by the orchestra - it’s clearly one of his party pieces. The Ravel was expertly played and well paced by the conductor. As I seem to have fallen into the habit of choosing post-concert supper venues where the evening’s conductor then appears (Jugged Hare this time), Lionel B duly appeared with his rucksack and some friends. I get the sook of the year award for telling him how much I enjoyed the concert (no lie) and how I thought that the Métaboles was better than that from Simon Rattle I’d heard last year. Also no lie. The orchestra were in great form again, especially the woodwind and the brass.
My next LSO outing is with F-X Roth to which I am much looking forward.
The petite-but-perfectly-formed Maître Bringuier was subbing for Robin Ticciati (who has just had something done to alleviate a persistent back problem). Oops, I’m being heightist. Strange programme: Brahms VC; Dutilleux Métaboles; Ravel D&C Suite 2. The Brahms improved as it progressed but I kept wanting Alina Ibragimova to channel her inner Ida Haendel in the first movement. A tone which suits Bach in the Wigmore Hall seemed a bit overwhelmed by the full might of the LSO. But she does play beautifully - lovely cadenzas. LB goes for big gestures as a conductor but has a very clear beat. The Dutilleux was delivered con brio by the orchestra - it’s clearly one of his party pieces. The Ravel was expertly played and well paced by the conductor. As I seem to have fallen into the habit of choosing post-concert supper venues where the evening’s conductor then appears (Jugged Hare this time), Lionel B duly appeared with his rucksack and some friends. I get the sook of the year award for telling him how much I enjoyed the concert (no lie) and how I thought that the Métaboles was better than that from Simon Rattle I’d heard last year. Also no lie. The orchestra were in great form again, especially the woodwind and the brass.
My next LSO outing is with F-X Roth to which I am much looking forward.
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