A 4th to be reckoned with: Celebrating Russian greats

Performances of Tchaikovsky symphonies tend to dwell on his 4th, 5th and 6th. Similarly, Mozart’s 40th and 41st take precedence as do the middle two – five and six – of Beethoven. Going back to the Russian maestro, I have no complaint for the RSNO choosing his fourth symphony for their latest series of concerts, particularly given the hugely inspirational, exciting and intoxicating manner in which they delivered it. Yes, it can be brassy at times – the Wagnerian-like opening sums that up – but it also has delicacy and invention.

The first movement has repeated threats of impending doom, before the composer turns to melancholy for the second, a three-in-one Scherzo and a finale full of razzamatazz. Teddy Abrams’ energetic direction helped enormously, culminating in a cascade of orchestral brilliance as the last movement drew to its triumphant conclusion.

Prior to that was one of those performances that will stick in your mind for eternity. Rachel Barton Pine isn’t simply a violinist of stunning skill and technique – she’s the embodiment of excellence, the different qualities of all the great players rolled into one. I’ve heard many performances of the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, but nothing quite like hers.

The second movement was a positive dream and when it segued into a finale, where the vivacissimo could easily have had a molto before it, it was an explosive and dynamic display of sheer brilliance.

But there was more to her than that, an encore of a Strathspey and Reel that was delivered in the same stunning fashion.

Before this double Tchaikovsky treat was a work by Allan Chen, the 2018-19 RSNO Composers Hub winner. I’m afraid his Semblance pales into insignificance when up against such class. Young composers should be encouraged, but they should also be urged to add a touch of melody into their works. This one was sadly lacking.