Reviews by pupils from Beeslack Community High School
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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Kraemer, played three beautiful classical pieces, two by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and one by Joseph Haydn. First off was the very contrasting piece "The Hague", Mozart's Symphony No.5 in B flat. It was a lively, bouncy piece quickly changing to soft and soothing. To end this fantastic piece was a big, loud finale finish. The second piece heard was "Oxford", Haydn's Symphony No.92 in G. This piece was also contrasting in moods, it started off quiet and soothing then gradually got louder and faster. Once it had calmed down again there was the big entrance music again which was big and bouncy. There was a pause and then the jittery sound of the violins started, after' the orchestra's big, bold sound came to the big finish. Third, and the last piece of the evening was "Paris", Mozart's Symphony No.31 in D major. The attention seeking introduction led to a fluttery, jumpy piece. The introduction is repeated again, only dramatic drum beats are added. The dramatic effect continued with the many staccatos and then legato till the dramatic finish. The audience erupted in thunderous applause to end a wonderful evening.
Sara Davidson
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When we went in, the oboe was playing ascending and descending scales which echoed around the hall and then you saw the beautifully painted ceilings and mouldings surrounding the stage - it was a lovely setting for a concert. The atmosphere was very laid back and relaxed yet full of anticipation. People were just sitting laughing and joking until the conductor came out - it was a great atmosphere. You could tell that the orchestra were exceptionally well practised as the conductor came on wihtout a score and conducted all three symphoies from memory. He conducted with lots of emotion and expression and teh participan ts were very involved in the pieces as they never just had their heads in their parts - you could tell they were watching the conductor constantly. At moments you were drawn to individual sections of the orchestra because of the interesting parts they played. "The Hague" was the first symphony and it sounded very stately and this symphony had the fewest instruments involved. The first symphony was the earliest and the symphonies moved in chronological order through the classical period therfore meaning that each time the orchestra got slightly bigger. Each symphony was contrasting in sound and speed which kept your attention throughout. Although the music was engaging, the person next to me was dosing throughout the last symphony and another woman was sleeping for quite some time which shows how relaxed the atmosphere was. The presto movement from Oxford was very fast and it was my favourite. It was so loud and fast compared to the one previously that it even managed to wake up the woman who had been sleeping for a while. I really enjoyed this concert and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. It had good quality music and it was good for showing the younger generation that classical music isn't just for their Grannies.
Claire Stenhouse
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As I entered the main foyer of St Cuthbert's I could sense the tension of the audience. The doors opened and in the main hall we went then we found our seats and waited for the conductor (Nicholas Kraemer). We were going to see the Scottish Chamber Orchestra perform in order:
1. Mozart Symphony No.5 "The Hague"
2. Haydn Symphony No.92 "Oxford"
3. Mozart Symphony No.31 "Paris"
This was my first classical concert so I was hoping to be impressed. I wasn't satisfied, mainly due to the irritating movements of the conductor and the cellists who played excellently, as did all of the performers. It was a shame for the softer instruments like the flutes because they were drowned by the strings and brass. At least at one point in the performance when one of the cellists accidentally knocked his head on the cello when he looked down. With the three individual pieces the performers were not just playing the music but "feeling" the music which was a great sign of enjoyment.
In conclusion I would recommend Classics At Six to anyone who likes classical music.
Craig Hume
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Being new to the classical music scene, listening to three symphonies was a new experience which I was apprehensive about trying. But, after listening to The Scottish Chamber Orchestra performing three 'city symphonies' under guest conductor Nicholas Kraemer at St. Cuthbert's Church, my opinion of classical music was changed for the better.
The SCO performed The Hague (Mozart's Symphony No 5), Oxford (Haydn's Symphony No92) before finishing up in Paris with Mozart's Symphony No 31. Each movement, of each Symphony was unique, so the audience were constantly left on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next surprise. The attention of the audience was captured and held from the outset, with very bold and brave opening passages. The enthusiasm and energy of the players helped to keep everyone engaged with what was happening as thir body language contributed to the sense of excitement. The conductor also helped with this, he was very intriguing to watch as he sported a very flowing style to his conducting.
The fugal texture of Mozart's "Paris" was the most enthralling of the three as it was very exciting with maximum impact created, through the full use of the orchestra. It seemed a suitable ending to the concert and left the listener wanting more, which will hopefully encourage others to return to another concert in which the SCO will perform.
Overall I was very impressed with the performance, and I intend to hear the orchestra perform again in the near future.
Rachael Coatham
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The aim of the SCO's CL@SIX series is to bring classical music to the city, making it more accessible to city slickers, evening commuters, families and people who are after a shorter than average classical concert experience. The fourth of the series brought Europe to Edinburgh's St Cuthbert's Parish Church with three symphonies: Mozart's Symphony No 5 - 'The Hague', Haydn's Symphony No 92 - 'Oxford', and Mozart's Symphony No 31 - 'Paris'. These complimenting movements were brought together in order to give an hour of end-of-the day soothing classical music.
The Church itself gave a beautiful backdrop to the experience. Behind the orchestra the Last Supper scene could be observed in stone, and in front of which, the orchestra and conductor were well lit and close to the audience. The conductor himself, Nicholas Kraemer, well established and notable for his music directing work in The Madness of King George and as a mentor to a young aspiring conductor in the hit channel 4 series Faking It, engaged well with the audience and gave an overall successful conducting performance, keeping with and sculpting the orchestra throughout. The first Mozart symphony was short but notable for being composed when he was just ten years old. Into the second, Haydn's 'Oxford', there was a real angelic feel, which was very fitting to the surroundings. The music was sweetly played with subtle interjections of contrast from teh strings and percussion sections although the music remained very smooth and some would say not particularly emotive, throughout. The audience seemed to be on side and many people could be seen to be nodding and following, an indication
that although the music wasn't overly powerful, it was being played well enough and was adequately interesting to keep attentions. The final symphony, Mozart's 'Paris' had a real feeling of grandeur and quite like Programme music, set the scene of the period. The orchestra were very well focused throughout although many could have been deemed slightly unenthusiastic. This could not be said for all however, as one flautist was very intriguing, moving about vigorously throughout as she played. The brass section tuned their instruments during the performance which I was told mirrors what would have happened back in Mozart's day - a nice touch.
An appreciative audience applauded for a lengthy time at the end of the performance, and many members of the orchestra were beaming with pride, although some could be seen with the familiar deadly serious expressions. Which is expected, really. The idea of this sort of Classical concert is great, helping city slickers to wind down at the end of the day and is at a perfect time, not too late nor too early. However, I don't get the feeling that they left this concert particularly moved or excited, which is expected as the music was never overly dramatic or emotional. A generally pleasing performance of smooth, uplifting sounds well played by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Sophie Egan
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A classic at 6 was very good for some people but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I felt that too many people were too tired to listen. I know I was. The playing was very livey even the conductor was dancing to music. The first symphony was very short perhaps because Mozart was only ten when he wrote this! I preferred the Haydn however, it still did not really excit me...The conductor I felt was still dancing through the second movement and he was enjoying himself. The music was very loud in places and I think it was good compared to the first one, though the French horns had to keep tuning their instruments probably there was a reason for this! The performers were very good, but I still stand by my views that I don't particularly like classical music - sorry!
Andy Brady
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