BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bartók & Mahler, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 29th May 2025, 5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.

Photo Credit: BBC National Orch of Wales_Credit via orchestra's Press Office.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bartók & Mahler, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 29th May 2025,

5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.

“A superb, joyous and passionate evening of symphonic music with an outstanding orchestra and stand-in conductor,Martyn Brabbins.”

Bartók – Violin Concerto No.1                                                                                                                                     Mahler – Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor

Conductor, Martyn Brabbins stood in at the last moment for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales’s Principal Conductor, Ryan Bancroft, who was indisposed. That this was a very last moment substitution was strongly suggested by the fact that Brabbins conducted the first half of the concert in a lounge suit and only changed into his customary flowing black shirt during the interval. Presumably, the shirt had been shipped in from wherever he had planned to be! This being the case, the polish and completeness of the two performances delivered during the concert was a tribute to the professionalism and talent of the conductor, and of all concerned.

James Ehnes knows his Bartók, having laid down exemplary recordings of, not only the composer’s two violin concerti, but also the concerto for viola. In this, the first violin concerto, an exquisitely lyrical solo passage opens the work. Other solo string instruments enter to create a chamber music effect reminiscent of Bartók’s string quartets.

The texture builds and thickens until the whole orchestra is involved. The ensemble work during this was very well-balanced, so the soloist is always subtly in the foreground, but also very much part of the overall (huge) orchestral texture. Again, one was reminded of another of  Bartók’s works here, the Concerto for Orchestra.

Ehnes is an exceptionally intelligent and expressive player. His flawless technique and laser accurate tuning enabled him to beautifully articulate the extended chromatic lines of the opening movement. To underscore his detailed and utterly committed reading, Brabbins and the orchestra created a dappled soundscape of rapidly shifting light and shade: utterly spellbinding.

In the second movement, the stability of Ehnes’ tone and the solidity of his technique again paid dividends. This was and an energetic and ebullient performance where soloist and band really worked hand in glove with one another. Ehneschoice of encore, a Bach unaccompanied,  perfectly complemented what had gone before. Exquisite playing.

As with the Bartók, Brabbins’ exceptionally deep and intense reading of Mahler’s 5th Symphony was an outstanding triumph, and belied the limited time he must have had with the orchestra to prepare it. This was an assured presence on the podium. Brabbins seemed to have complete control over every note that was played. The result: an utterly engrossing journey from nihilistic death & shadow to dazzling, radiant light. And time stood still during the famous Adagietto. The concert was performed & recorded live on BBC Radio 3.

A truly magnificent performance of one of Mahler’s finest and most remarkable symphonies. Bravo.

Martin Brabbins – Conductor                                                                                                                               James Ehnes - Violin