Performance: RVW concert - Hallé Orchestra, conductor Andrew Manze. Sheffield City Hall
21/2/2025
The program opened with the Overture to “the Wasps”. one of RVW’s early pieces, composed during his student days at Cambridge to accompany a play. The suite is amusing and full of jaunty themes. Manze brought a perky energy to the performance, and the Hallé responded with enthusiasm, capturing the comedic spirit of the music.
Manze’s graceful conducting style was evident throughout, his expressive gestures guiding the orchestra with precision and engagement. He drew particularly rich textures from the strings, a hallmark of his approach. Interestingly, I had recently listened to his recording of Handel’s Opus 6 concerti grossi, and the same clarity, strength, and vitality shone through in this performance.
Next came the Tallis Fantasia, with multiple string groups arranged across the stage to create a lush, layered sound. I recalled hearing Vernon “Tod” Handley conduct the same piece in this hall during an all-RVW concert in 1980*. Back then, the hall’s acoustics posed more of a challenge, and Handley positioned the string quartet on plinths flanking the orchestra. Manze, by contrast, placed them within the second orchestra at the rear of the stage, resulting in a ravishing performance. The Halle strings sounded markedly improved since I last heard them in Elder’s Mahler 9 in 2024.
The first half concluded with The Lark Ascending, featuring soloist Roberto Ruisi, who is the Leader of the Hallé. While the soloist’s playing was sweet, it felt somewhat distant, probably the fault of the hall’s notorious acoustics. Nevertheless, it was a carefully crafted performance, with Manze coaxing deep, resonant tones from the orchestra to complement the soloist’s delicate phrasing. The result was a serene and moving interpretation.
After the interval, the orchestra presented Vaughan Williams Fifth Symphony. I was seated just above the timpani and trombones, I experienced the work from a fresh perspective, quite different from recordings or the usual stalls vantage point.
This symphony is often underrated for its turbulence, but the Halle’s full-throated rendition brought its complexities to life.
The last time I heard Manze conduct this work was during his Prom of Symphonies 4, 5 & 6 in 2012, where No 5 was somewhat overshadowed. Since then Manze has recorded all the symphonies and I think his reading has deepened, revealing the depth and nuance. Manze drew from the fine orchestral playing too.
The Halle’s strings, woodwinds, and brass are now of a v high quality, exuding confidence too. That may well be a testament to Manze’s skill as a conductor. His enthusiasm and respect for the players were palpable, particularly in the symphony’s heartfelt moments. This partnership clearly thrives, and I hope they continue to explore more of Vaughan Williams’ repertoire. Having already recorded all the symphonies, Manze has much more to offer in capturing the composer’s other great works.
I left the concert convinced that this collaboration holds great promise. I look forward to hearing more of Manze’s work, whether in Manchester or elsewhere in Europe, where his reputation is steadily growing. His recognition by David Herwitz is no small achievement, further underscoring his rising stature.
While I don’t believe this performance was recorded, the Halle is set to repeat the program in several locations, and it may well appear on BBC Radio 3. It’s certainly worth catching if it does.
https://mindpoke.blogspot.com/2014/03/memories-handley-sheffield-1990.html
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