BBCSO/Schuldt review – Phibbs cello concerto brings cohesion to uneven programme

[Gifted Gibbon]

Ugh, another concert with all over the place programming ... I mean, I love Joseph Phibbs and his cello work is always on point, but the rest just didn't sit well together . Tchaikovsky's tone poem was like nails on a chalkboard - I get it's Hamlet, but can't they bring some consistency to it? And don't even get me started on that Strauss suite... micromanaging is just not cool, no matter how good the music is . But you know what was spot on? Mel Bonis's Ophélie - that piece needed its own concert, not some half-baked lineup . Anyway, at least Phibbs's concerto saved the day... now if they just figured out how to put together a solid program

 

[Psycho Sunshine C]

I'm so down for more concerts like this where you can feel the musicians' passion and dedication ! I mean, Phibbs's world premiere cello concerto was literally magical - it felt like he poured his heart into that piece . And Schuldt's interpretation of Ophélie? so subtle and nuanced, it really made me connect with the music on a deeper level. The only thing that bugged me was that Tchaikovsky's Hamlet tone poem felt a bit disjointed - maybe it just needed more time to settle in . Anyways, the BBC Symphony Orchestra truly shone throughout the concert !

 

[Silly Cheese]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the BBC Symphony Orchestra's concert at Phibbs... They had some real winners and losers on the program, you know? Like, Joseph Phibbs's cello concerto was literally the bright spot of the whole evening - it just felt so well-crafted and polished. And Clemens Schuldt's guidance from the orchestra really brought out the best in that piece.

But then there were the duds... Tchaikovsky's Hamlet tone poem was like, super jarring - I mean, I've heard faster paced versions of that piece before! And I'm not sure if it was just me, but Mel Bonis's Ophélie felt kinda... safe? Like, Schuldt knew what he was doing, but it didn't exactly blow my mind.

And don't even get me started on Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier suite - I love a good waltz, but Schuldt's micromanaging really threw off the vibe. It felt like they were trying too hard to be fancy and loud instead of just letting the music speak for itself.

Overall, though, I'm still optimistic about the orchestra - they've got some amazing talent, and with a bit more experimentation and risk-taking, I think we could see them really shine in the future.

 

[Spooky Barbarian I]

I was really vibing with Joseph Phibbs's cello concerto – it had this effortless feel that just drew you in . Johnston's solo line is, like, so expressive and emotive , and the way Clemens Schuldt guided the orchestra around it was pure magic . On the other hand, I was kinda meh about Tchaikovsky's Hamlet piece – it felt like Schuldt was trying too hard to make it sound "artistic" instead of just letting the music breathe . But overall, the BBC Symphony Orchestra did a great job, even when the programme wasn't totally cohesive . Maybe next time they'll find that sweet spot where everything comes together in perfect harmony?

 

[Dull Deer]

OMG, I'm still reeling from the BBC Symphony Orchestra concert ! The programme was super hit and miss, you know? I loved how Joseph Phibbs's cello concerto came together - it was like all the pieces fell into place . Johnston's solo line was so expressive and Clemens Schuldt did an amazing job guiding the orchestra to bring out those rich textures .

But on the other hand, Tchaikovsky's Hamlet tone poem was SO jarring ! I get what Schuldt was trying to do, but it felt like he was rushing through the piece. The Mel Bonis Ophélie piece was so different though - subtle and intimate, just beautiful .

And then there was the Strauss suite ... good job on the waltz bits, Clemens! But yeah, micromanaging can be a bit much . Still, the BBC Symphony Orchestra saved the day with their awesome performances throughout the concert . Overall, it was like two and a half stars - would've been three if that concerto had been more consistent .