Budapest Festival Orchestra

What can an orchestra possibly give as an encore following a superlative performance of The rite of spring? Ivàn Fischer, understanding the need for a complete contrast, plumbed for a Bach chorale (on wind and brass instruments only), beautifully played, before releasing the fireworks with Brahms' 6th Hungarian dance. It brought a fine concert to an equally fine concert.

The first half, all Bartók, highlighted the happy inspiration of the Romanian dances (not without a introspective tinge where necessary) and the third Piano concerto with Richard Goode displaying a light touch at the keyboard, especially successful in the woodland noises of the slow movement. Very much a programme to test the capabilities of the wind instruments, and they passed with flying colours.

Let's hope Jonathan Mills, Festival Director in waiting, invites Fischer and his orchestra back. We could do with more of this.

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