The Philharmonia Orchestra had a tough task following Gant's highly successful premiere, but the very opening of the first symphony set the scene for an emotional and powerful performance which warranted the rapturous applause at the end.
He began this, the first, in 1932, but took almost two years to complete it. He was a slow worker, often unwell, and his private life was in turmoil. The latter of these three effects can be clearly heard throughout the work, which is often tortuously charged with dissonance and relentless, threatening undercurrents.
The orchestra worked long and hard to create a dramatic performance nourished by the acoustics provided by the Cathedral setting.
From the very start, each of the musicians perched on the edge of their seats for what was to be a punishing and intense performance. His use of woodwind pitched against the darker brass and string tones, particularly in the final movement, creates a stunning aural contrast, and his percussive writing gives a sense of power and urgency to the work.
A bat flew through the Cathedral as the work was coming to its climactic close, but chose to take a good look around, then flew majestically out again.
An unusual way to complete an envigorating evening - but one that will be remembered by all who were there, no doubt.
Jackie Harris
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